DEFENDING champion National University (NU) aims to cap its challenging three-match stretch with a perfect record against Far Eastern University (FEU) in a rematch of last season’s Final Four in the UAAP Season 88 Collegiate Women’s Volleyball Tournament on Saturday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
First-year coach Regine Diego emphasized the Lady Bulldogs’ fitness ahead of their 3 p.m. clash with the Lady Tamaraws.
After brushing off University of Santo Tomas’ attempt to extend the match in the season opener, thanks to Sam Cantada’s masterful serving, NU overcame close first and third sets to repel Shai Nitura-led Adamson University last Wednesday.
Cantada has lived up to expectations, leading the league in scoring with 37 points, proving early on to be a worthy heir to Lady Bulldogs legend Bella Belen.
Equally impressive for NU is graduating setter Lams Lamina stepping up as the closer to stabilize the team’s offense when things get tough, finishing off plays initiated by playmaker Abe Pono.
FEU rebounded from its season-opening loss to De La Salle with a straight-set victory over the University of the East last Wednesday. The Lady Tamaraws are now tied with the Lady Falcons at 1-1.
Setter Tin Ubaldo hopes the Lady Tamaraws can elevate their game several notches higher against the Lady Bulldogs.
FEU has fallen to the Lady Bulldogs in the Final Four in the last two seasons, making this match a key gauge of the Lady Tamaraws’ progress as a team.
Adamson, still smarting from its recent tough loss, looks to regain its winning form with urgency. The Lady Falcons face the Lady Warriors in the 1 p.m. opener.
In the men’s division, six-peat-seeking NU meets FEU, which won its first two matches in straight sets, in a rematch of last season’s Finals at 11 a.m.