National University grabbed the top seeding in the knockout crossover quarterfinals after a quick work of University of Perpetual Help, 25-17, 25-7, 25-17, in the second round of the Shakey’s Super League Collegiate Pre-season Championship at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum on Saturday.
The Lady Bulldogs kept their pristine record intact as they swept Pool E to finish the round with a 3-0 carryover win-loss record.
With the victory, the reigning UAAP champion NU will take on the no. 4 seed in Pool F in the quarterfinals slated on Sunday, November 6.
Far Eastern University, still playing University of Sto. Tomas as of press time, lumbers at the bottom of Pool F.
“This is the last day for the quarterfinal ranking so our mindset coming into the match was to push ourselves and prepare for our next games,” NU coach Karl Dimaculangan said.
“We know our next matches will be tougher. We’re not just preparing our skills but also our bodies. The quarterfinal is a knockout game so we need to get ready,” he added.
Minierva Maaya made a killing at the service line with 10 of the 29 aces landed by the Lady Bulldogs. Maaya finished with 15 points to lead two other NU players in double figures.
Rookie Vangie Alinsug and Sheena Toring posted 10 markers each for the Lady Bulldogs, who pounded the Lady Altas with 42 attack points.
Skipper Ces Robles and Jazlyn Ellarina added eight points each for NU, which won their fifth straight in the tournament organized by Athletic Events and Sports Management, Inc. (ACES).
Perpetual had a hard time with their reception and passing as the Las Pinas-based volleybelles were limited to just 15 attack points.
Freshman Shaila Omipon led the Lady Altas with 11 points while Winnie Bedana got six.
Perpetual closed the round with a 0-3 mark to land at no. 4 seed. The Lady Altas will face the Pool F top seed in the quarterfinals.
De La Salle University, as of press time, sits on top of Pool F.
Next-day broadcast of games will be available on IBC 13 every Sunday from 7:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. and Monday from 7:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. Solar Entertainment will also carry next-day airings every Sunday and Monday starting 8:00 p.m.
