Lady Bulldogs take driver’s seat

MANILA, Philippines — National U extended its winning spree to six after declawing also-ran Adamson, 25-16, 25-14, 25-18, to gain the solo lead and secure at least a playoff for a twice-to-beat bonus in the UAAP women’s volleyball tournament yesterday at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig.

Still unbeaten in the second round, the Lady Bulldogs needed only 72 minutes to hike their slate to 11-2 and surpass rivals La Salle and Santo Tomas with similar 10-2 marks.

La Salle and Santo Tomas will still clash next week, giving one squad one more defeat and ensuring NU at least a knockout for the second seed at the lowest pending the result of its last match against Far Eastern U on Wednesday.

A win by the Lady Bulldogs in that match could clinch the desired bonus, making the Lady Spikers-Golden Tigresses duel next Saturday a virtual battle for the other incentive. Their seeding, however, would still depend on the said La Salle-Santo Tomas battle.

Bella Belen and Alyssa Solomon joined hands with 14 points apiece to show the way for the former champion NU, on track for a redemption tour after losing the throne to La Salle last season.

“Kailangan, hindi pa rin kami magre-relax every game. Kailangan, all-out pa rin kahit sino pa ‘yung kalaban,” said Solomon as NU, in the process, slammed the door on FEU’s slim hopes to sneak in the Top Two despite its 25-20, 27-29, 25-21, 25-21 win over UP earlier.

Rookie Faida Bakanke fired 19 points, Chenie Tagaod had 13 while Mitzi Panangin, Alyssa Devosora and Jean Asis contributed nine apiece as the Lady Tamaraws (9-4) primed up for Final Four with their fifth straight win.

“We’re satisfied and happy with this win to keep our streak. Nakaka-boost talaga ng morale ‘yung panalo namin versus UST,” said coach Manolo Refugia.