NU beats Ateneo, boosts semis chances in UAAP volley

National University pounced on a weary Ateneo Lady Eagles , 17-25, 25-23, 22-25, 25-21, 15-13, to bolster its Final Four hopes chances last night in the UAAP Season 79 women's volleyball tournament at the Filoil Flying V Centre.

"Pinipilit naming maka-accumulate ng panalo para mag-third or fourth. Kahit ano na basta pumasok sa Top 4. Bahala na si Batman pagdating sa dulo," said coach Roger Gorayeb after the Lady Bulldogs moved up to third place with a 7-4 record.

The Lady Eagles had their eight-game winning streak halted after Jho Maraguinot's spike went wide for the match point.

NU thus swept Ateneo in its elimination round head-to-head since the 2013-14 season.

Despite the loss, their second in 11 games, the Lady Eagles are still assured of their eighth straight semifinals appearance.

Jaja Santiago had eight blocks for a 25-point outing, while Aiko Urdas and Jorelle Singh chipped in 12 and 11 points, respectively for the Lady Bulldogs, who drew 38 excellent sets from Jasmine Nabor.

Maraguinot finished with 18 hits and 14 digs, while Kat Tolentino had five service winners for Ateneo, which had to deal with a tough schedule and academic load in the past two weeks.

"Lumabas na sobrang pagod, five sets pa," said Lady Eagles assistant coach Sherwin Meneses.

Earlier, the University of the Philippines moved half-a-game behind University of Santo Tomas in the chase for the last Final Four berth with a 25-15, 2516, 25-20 beating of Adamson University.

The Lady Maroons, who improved to 7-4, are looking forward to making their second straight semifinals appearance against the Lady Bulldogs on Sunday.