By ADRIAN STEWART CO
Arah Panique delivered a dominant performance to power the National University (NU) Lady Bulldogs to a thrilling reverse sweep over the Far Eastern University (FEU) Lady Tamaraws, 17-25, 16-25, 25-19, 25-21, 15-12, in the UAAP women’s volleyball tournament at the SM Mall of Asia Arena on Saturday, February 21.
The Negrense took charge when the Lady Bulldogs needed her most, finishing with a match-high 27 points to anchor NU’s comeback and preserve its unbeaten record at 3-0.
The Lady Bulldogs were on the brink of defeat after the Lady Tamaraws controlled the opening two sets behind the strong showing of Gerzel Petallo, Clarisse Loresco and Alyssa Devosora.
But Panique ignited NU’s fightback in the third set, delivering crucial attacks that shifted the momentum in favor of the defending champions.
Her steady offensive presence, combined with NU’s improved floor defense, allowed the Lady Bulldogs to claim the next two sets and force a decider.
In the fifth set, Panique continued to lead by example as NU mounted a decisive 8-1 finishing run, with rookie Samantha Cantada providing key support, to complete the dramatic comeback.
Evangeline Alinsug also played a vital role, recording a triple-double of 15 points, 15 excellent receptions and 13 excellent digs to help stabilize NU on both ends of the floor.
Cantada added 11 points along with 13 excellent receptions and nine excellent digs, contributing heavily on defense despite limited offensive output.
On the other hand, Petallo led FEU with 14 points, while Clarisse Loresco and Alyssa Devosora chipped in 12 and 11 points, respectively, as the Lady Tamaraws fell short of closing out the match.
In the first match, the Adamson University Lady Falcons bounced back from their previous loss to NU by defeating the University of the East (UE) Lady Warrriors, 25-15, 25-18, 21-25, 25-18.
Shaina Nitura delivered a triple-double performance of 19 points, 13 excellent digs and 12 excellent receptions to lead the Lady Falcons to a 2-1 record.
Frances Mordi matched Nitura’s scoring output with 19 points built on 18 attacks and a block.
Setter Felicity Sagaysay also contributed 10 points, 15 excellent sets and eight excellent digs.
For UE, Bea Zamudio led with 14 points, while Van Bangayan and Khy Cepada chipped in 11 markers each as the Lady Warriors dropped to 0-3./ASC, WDJ