By ADRIAN STEWART CO

The National University (NU) Lady Bulldogs asserted their dominance over the Adamson University Lady Falcons with a 25-20, 25-21, 25-21 sweep in the UAAP Season 88 women’s volleyball tournament at the University of Santo Tomas (UST) Quadricentennial Pavilion on Sunday, April 5.

The Lady Bulldogs secured their second consecutive win to improve to an 8-3 record, while also completing a season sweep of their elimination round meetings against the Lady Falcons.

Negrense Arah Panique made her presence felt with 12 points, supporting Evangeline Alinsug, who had a team-high of 15 points, and rookie Samantha Cantada, who ended with 12, for NU.

Guimarasnon Camille Lamina, who got the starting setter position for this match, finished with 20 excellent sets to go with three markers for the reigning champions.

Meanwhile, Adamson slipped to 6-5, dropping to solo fifth place in the standings.

Shaina Nitura was the lone double-digit scorer for the Lady Falcons with 23 markers.

On the other hand, the UST Golden Tigresses strengthened their push for a Final 4 berth after sweeping the University of the East (UE) Lady Warriors, 25-21, 26-24, 25-20.

Angeline Poyos led the way with 17 points, while Regina Jurado added 11 markers as the Golden Tigresses improved to a 7-4 record for solo third place in the standings.

UST controlled much of the match but had to fend off a late surge from UE in the second set, where the Lady Warriors pushed the Tigresses to extend before UST sealed the frame.

The España-based squad then closed out the contest in straight sets with a steady performance in the third as they continued to build momentum heading into the final stretch of the elimination round.

Khy Cepada top-scored for the Lady Warriors with 17 points, while Bea Zamudio added 12 markers as they remained winless in 11 games./ASC, WDJ