By ADRIAN STEWART CO
The National University Nazareth School (NUNS) Lady Bullpups displayed steely resolve to deny Far Eastern University (FEU)-Diliman Lady Tamaraws’ upset bid, winning 26-24, 21-25, 25-18, 23-25, 18-16 and moving within reach of back-to-back titles in the UAAP Season 88 high school girls’ volleyball tournament at the Blue Eagle Gym on Thursday night, December 11.
In the elimination round, the Lady Bullpups dominated the Baby Lady Tamaraws, taking a 17-25, 25-12, 25-21, 25-17 victory in the first round on October 1 before sweeping them 25-23, 25-18, 25-21 on November 2.
The finals, however, proved to be a different story.
The Baby Lady Tamaraws reached match point three times — the last at 16-15 following a Diza Berayo attack error — but could not close it out and secure another comeback.
A net touch violation and an Adeleine Agustin block finally gave the Bullpups match point.
Berayo, redeeming herself after the earlier error, drilled the match-winning hit to seal the two-hour, 33-minute opener.
“Talagang ‘yung FEU, nakita natin ‘yung attitude nila, ‘tsaka going to this game, mataas ang morale at motivated,” NUNS head coach Karl Dimaculangan said.
“Ang sabi ko lang sa kanila, maging composed lang sa endgame,” he added.
The Negrense Berayo led the Bullpups with 22 points, including two service aces, 13 receptions and 11 digs.
Akeyla Bartolabac contributed 17 points, including four service aces, while Jhaynna Bulandres also finished in double digits with 13 points.
“Actually, hinahanap namin kasi ‘yung character namin as a champion team,” said Berayo, noting that complacency in the fourth set allowed the Baby Lady Tamaraws to gain a lifeline.
“Pinatunayan namin na mas experienced kami sa kanila,” the 17-year-old spiker from Silay City added.
Aleah Devosora led FEU with 18 points, 11 receptions and seven digs, while Nigerian blocker MJ Udeagbala and Joeyana Bongo each scored 16 points.
The Baby Lady Tamaraws leaned on their net defense, registering 15 blocks, with Bernadine Boston accounting for six.
Cathlyn Umal, who had 13 blocks in the Final 4 decider against Adamson University, added four.
NUNS aims for its eighth title in 10 seasons with another win in Game 2 at the same Katipunan venue at 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, December 14./ASC, WDJ