THE NU Lady Bulldogs kept the UE Lady Warriors winless and clinched a Final Four spot with a 25-19, 25-14, 25-14 victory in the UAAP Season 88 women's volleyball tournament at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion on Sunday.
The defending champs improved to 9-3 and became the second team to secure a semifinal entry after the 12-0 De La Salle Lady Spikers.
The Lady Warriors dropped to 0-12, suffering their 26th straight loss dating back to a winless season last year.
Either third seed Adamson (7-5) or fifth running FEU (6-5) will have a sixth loss since they will face each other on April 18.
NU's potential maximum losses is only five in the 14-game elimination round.
"We're very thankful that we're here, we really worked hard for every game. The hard work has always been there," said Lady Bulldogs head coach Regine Diego.
"Hopefully, we can be up there and get that twice-to-beat advantage and play in the championship," added Diego, who's making her first Final Four appearance as the NU head coach.
The Lady Bulldogs fended off a brave fightback by the Lady Warriors in the third frame, where they led at 8-6 and 11-9.
NU shut down UE from there with a 9-0 run to seize an 18-11 lead and eventually win the match on a Chamy Maaya block on Sam Taylan.
Alinsug fired 11 points and logged 11 excellent receptions to lead the Lady Bulldogs, while Sam Cantada aided her with 11 points and five digs.
Arah Panique chipped in 11 points as Lams Lamina tossed 11 excellent sets en route to her fifth straight and last semis appearance in the seniors division.
Alexa Mata added eight points for NU which will secure a top two finish and a twice-to-beat semis advantage if it beats La Salle on April 19.
Van Bangayan banged seven points and nine digs to pace UE. NIEL VICTOR MASOY
