NU overcomes early miscues to beat UST, reaches UAAP finals 

National University (NU) Lady Bulldogs overcame a slow start to end the University of Santo Tomas (UST) Golden Tigresses’ Cinderella run in a hard-earned 20–25, 26–24, 26–24, 25–21 victory to march into the UAAP Season 88 women’s volleyball finals during a winner-take-all stepladder semifinal at the Big Dome, May 2.

The defending champion immediately regrouped in the succeeding sets following a jittery opening orchestrated by the determined UST camp to reach their fifth consecutive finals appearance since Season 84.

Arah Panique put up a game-high 23 points for the Bulldogs, while Vangie Alinsug chipped in 18 markers, 10 of which came in the close-out frame.

Camilla Lamina steadied the pack’s offense after contributing 34 excellent sets, with three points and six digs.

“Very happy ako sa performance ng team at sana tuloy-tuloy siya hanggang championship,” said Lamina, who will cap off her last playing years for NU. 

Fueled by their mission to avenge their last clash in the Season 86 finale, the España-based squad surged midway with an 18–14 lead to force a rubber set.

Their hopes were quickly slashed as the Lady Bulldogs leaned on Alinsug’s deadly attacks, scaling an 11–3 run, which further bled the Tigresses’ wounds and sealed the win.

“We are just happy that we’re here, we did our best for today’s game, and we’re just going to prepare for the next one,” head coach Regine Diego said.

Meanwhile, Regina Jurado led UST with 19 points, as Jonna Perdido finished with 15 to mark an end of her collegiate career alongside team captain Detdet Pepito.

UST also settled for third place in consecutive seasons.

NU will now set up a best-of-three finals series against familiar rivals, DLSU Lady Spikers, which will start on May 6 at the Mall of Asia Arena.