National University blasted its way into the championship round after a clinical, 25-19, 25-18, 25-21, dismantling of Letran in the 2024 Shakey’s Super League (SSL) National Invitationals do-or-die semifinal Sunday at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
The Lady Bulldogs displayed composure down the stretch to weather the Lady Knights’ rally from a nine-point deficit in the third frame and complete their fourth consecutive straight-sets win.
Still unbeaten in the tournament backed by Shakey’s Pizza Parlor, Eurotel, Victory Liner, Team Rebel Sports and Mikasa, NU will face in the best-of-three finals the survivor between reigning NCAA champion College of Saint Benile and Far Eastern University, which are still playing in the other semis pairing as of press time.
Game 1 of the championship showdown is slated Monday at 4 p.m. at the same venue.
“Happy na nanalo kami and will play in the championship. Everybody played their role pero need pa rin talaga ng connections especially yung mga new players,” Lady Bulldogs head coach Norman Miguel said.
Veteran hitter Bella Belen poured 18 points off 14 kills, three aces and a kill block while Arah Panique scored nine markers for NU, which is looking to annex the National Invitationals crown after ruling the first two editions of the centerpiece Collegiate Preseason Championship.
Belen and Panique were able to suit up after Alas Pilipinas’ Japan training camp was moved to a later date.
Erin Pangilinan had eight points while Vange Alinsug and Aishat Bello scored six each for the reigning UAAP champions Lady Bulldogs.
NU kept their distance from feisty NCAA Season 99 runner-up Letran throughout the match and even built a nine-point lead in the third frame, 20-11.
But the Lady Knights uncorked a blistering 9-3 run to close the gap, 23-20.
Aishat Bello stopped the Lady Bulldogs’ bleeding with a timely push that found its mark in Letran’s undefended back row to send the game to match point.
The Lady Knights saved a match point but before Letran could spark another run, Myrtle Escanlar took matters into her own hands with the game-winning kill.
Gia Maquilang had 12 points while Nizelle Martin finished with 10 for Letran, which will take on the other semis loser in the battle for third place.
The battle for bronze is also a best-of-three affair.
Games in the SSL National Invitationals, organized by Athletic Events and Sports Management, Inc., are available via livestream on Smart Livestream and Puso Pilipinas and Solar Sports (cable).
