Defending champions NU Lady Bulldogs advanced to their fourth straight finals by dispatching the Far Eastern University Lady Tamaraws in an emphatic 25-20, 27-25, 25-21 victory.
Meanwhile, the UST Golden Tigresses outclassed a young Adamson University Lady Falcons squad, 25-22, 25-22, 25-20.
NU and UST previously met in the 2023 finals.
The Lady Bulldogs once again showed their championship mettle, particularly in the second set, where they saved four set points to fend off FEU and move within two wins of a ‘four-peat’.
Skipper Vange Alinsug and Celine Marsh led unbeaten NU to their eighth straight victory in the league’s centerpiece tournament, backed by Shakey’s Pizza Parlor, Peri-Peri Charcoal Chicken, Potato Corner, and R&B Milk Tea.
Alinsug finished with 11 points, including nine kills and two blocks, along with five digs and five excellent receptions.
Marsh contributed nine markers, while Chams Maaya and Josline Salazar added eight points each.
For UST, Angge Poyos showcased her scoring prowess with 14 points, while Margaret Altea made her presence felt at the net with four blocks among her eight points.
Xyza Gula and Julia Balingit chipped in seven points each, helping the Golden Tigresses secure a spot in the best-of-three finals, which begin on November 8.
FEU’s offense was led by Ia David with eight points, Devosora with seven, and Kyle Pendon with eight.
On the other hand, Adamson’s Shaina Nitura, recently named the new SSL ambassador, paced her team with 14 points on 13-of-35 spikes, while Frances Mordi added 10.
The Lady Tamaraws, winners of the National Invitationals Batangas Leg, will face the Lady Falcons on November 8 in a winner-take-all bronze medal match in this competition also supported by Asics, Mikasa, Smart Sports, Summit, Team Rebel Sports, Belo Deo, Eurotel-Apo View Hotel, Batangas Country Club, Executive Optical, Baic Auto Philippines, SM Tickets, and PusoP.com as technical partners.
