MANILA, Philippines — National U zeroed in on another volleyball title by routing Letran, 25-19,25-18, 25-21, to make it to the finals of the 2024 Shakey’s Super League (SSL) National Invitationals yesterday at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
Proving that they are the reigning UAAP queens for a reason, the Lady Bulldogs hardly broke a sweat in scoring the semifinal victory against the NCAA runners-up.
Reigning UAAP MVP Bella Belen finally broke through after seeing limited action in the past few games, delivering 18 points on 14 hits, three aces and a block as NU notched its fourth straight win.
Team captain Erin Pangilinan provided eight points while Vange Alinsug and Aishat Bello had six apiece as the Alyssa Solomon-less Lady Bulldogs stayed on track for another crown in pre-season events.
In the other semis pairing, Far Eastern U walloped NCAA three-peat champion St. Benilde, 25-16, 25-16, 25-16, to advance.
Gerzel Petallo (14), Faida Bakanke (13), Jazlyn Ellarina (11) and Alyssa Devosora (10) conspired in the scattered barrage as the Lady Tamaraws gained a shot at the Lady Bulldogs in the best-of-three finale starting with Game 1 at 4 p.m. today.
St. Benilde has been relegated to the bronze-medal duel against Letran in a rematch between NCAA finalists.
“Happy na nanalo kami and we will play in the championship. Everybody played their role pero need pa rin talaga ng connections especially yung mga new players,” said NU coach Norman Miguel.