By ADRIAN STEWART CO

The National University (NU) Lady Bulldogs recovered from a slow start and leaned on a late surge to defeat the University of Santo Tomas (UST) Golden Tigresses, 20-25, 26-24, 26-24, 25-21, securing a berth in the UAAP Season 88 women’s volleyball finals at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Saturday, May 2.

Negrense Arah Panique spearheaded the offense with 23 points, on 21 attacks and two blocks, to go with three excellent digs as the reigning champions Lady Bulldogs reached their fifth consecutive finals appearance.

Evangeline Alinsug added 18 points, 15 excellent receptions and seven excellent digs, while Chamy Maaya contributed 14 markers, including five blocks, for the Lady Bulldogs.

The Lady Bulldogs turned the tide in the closing stretch, unloading an 11-3 run behind Panique and Alinsug to complete their come-from-behind triumph after dropping the opening set.

The upcoming showdown will mark the fourth finals meeting between NU and University of St. La Salle in the past five UAAP seasons.

NU also prevailed over La Salle in last year’s title series.

The Lady Spikers head into the finals with momentum after sweeping the elimination round, while the Lady Bulldogs are aiming to extend their reign with a third consecutive title.

Meanwhile, UST settled for third place for the second straight season after surviving two knockout games to reach the semifinals.

Regina Jurado led them with 19 markers.

The loss also signaled the end of libero Detdet Pepito’s lengthy stint with the Golden Tigresses.

Pepito concluded her 11-year run with the program as one of its most accomplished players, highlighted by six Best Libero awards spanning her high school and collegiate career./ASC, WDJ