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Tag: NU Lady Bulldogs

  • UST’s Andwelle Cabanero, NU-Nazareth’s KJ Guada Badajos punch tickets to Jordan Brand global finals in Shanghai 

    UST’s Andwelle Cabanero, NU-Nazareth’s KJ Guada Badajos punch tickets to Jordan Brand global finals in Shanghai 

    The Philippines has found its next two representatives on the global stage.

     

    UST Senior High School standout Andwelle Cabanero and National University-Nazareth School’s KJ Guada Badajos emerged as the last players standing in Jordan Brand’s The One Manila on Saturday, earning the opportunity to carry the country’s colors in the prestigious global finals in Shanghai, China later this month.

     

    With only one ticket available in both the boys’ and girls’ divisions, the country’s brightest young talents battled through a grueling knockout tournament before Cabanero and Badajos separated themselves from the field.

     

    Even Mother Nature could not stop the competition.

     

    Originally set to unfold at the Jordan Flight Deck in Bonifacio Global City, heavy rains forced organizers to transfer the event indoors to Kerry Sports Arena at Shangri-La The Fort. The change in venue, however, did little to cool down the intensity as every possession became a step closer to representing the Philippines on the international stage.

     

    For Cabanero, the road to Shanghai became even tougher after suffering a shoulder injury during the quarterfinals.

     

    Instead of slowing down, the 17-year-old fought through the pain, winning his semifinal before defeating fellow UST Tiger Cub Sean Bohol, 13-9, in an all-UST championship showdown.

     

    “I thought to myself, ‘Why would I waste the opportunity to go to Shanghai?’” said Cabanero.

     

    “My motto is whenever I’m tired or even when I’m hurt with an injury, I don’t give up because the fight isn’t over. Never say die.”

     

    On the girls’ side, Badajos showcased why she is regarded as one of the country’s rising stars.

     

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    The Bukidnon native found herself locked in a 6-all battle against Women’s Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball Developmental League campaigner Jenny Paguipo before taking complete control of the contest.

     

    Badajos buried back-to-back three-pointers to create separation before draining another triple late to complete a commanding 17-6 victory and secure her own ticket to Shanghai.

     

    “I’m so happy because I worked really hard for all of this. I learned a lot, and I hope that more people will get to see just what we can do as athletes,” said Badajos.

     

    “Everything happens for a reason, and we don’t know what’s in store for us in our future, so I believe that we should always put in the work to reach our dreams.”

     

    Before facing elite youth players from North America, Europe, and Asia in the global finals on August 29, both champions will undergo an intensive Jordan Brand development program.

     

    The preparation includes basketball sessions with Philippine Jordan Brand athlete Kiefer Ravena, along with strength and conditioning work under Jordan trainers to help the duo get ready for the biggest tournament of their young careers.

     

    Beyond the international competition, even bigger rewards await in Shanghai.

     

    The One Global Finals champion will have the opportunity to win a cash prize, earn recognition as a Jordan Brand ambassador, and be featured in the brand’s global campaign, with Cabanero and Badajos now carrying Philippine basketball’s hopes onto one of the sport’s biggest youth stages.

     

     

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  • NU turns to familiar face as Norman Miguel returns to lead Lady Bulldogs in UAAP Season 89 

    NU turns to familiar face as Norman Miguel returns to lead Lady Bulldogs in UAAP Season 89 

    National University is once again entrusting its women’s volleyball program to one of its most successful tactician, bringing back Norman Miguel as head coach in hopes of steering the Lady Bulldogs back to the UAAP summit.


    The school announced on Monday that Miguel will return for another stint with the program and take over the reins for UAAP Season 89, replacing Regine Diego, who will transition to an assistant coaching role.

     

    The appointment continues a remarkable trend within the NU program, which will have a different head coach for the third consecutive season despite remaining one of the league’s premier contenders.

     

    Miguel inherits a squad that came close to reclaiming the championship last season. Under Diego, the Lady Bulldogs compiled a 10-4 elimination-round record before advancing to the Finals, where they settled for a runner-up finish after falling to the De La Salle Lady Spikers.

     

    While the result fell short of the program’s championship standard, NU remained firmly among the UAAP’s elite, setting the stage for Miguel’s latest return.

     

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    Few coaches are as familiar with the Lady Bulldogs’ culture as Miguel. His first stint came during UAAP Seasons 81 and 82, before he returned in Season 86, where he immediately guided NU back to the top of Philippine collegiate volleyball.

     

    That campaign saw the Lady Bulldogs sweep the UST Golden Tigresses in the championship series behind Most Valuable Player Bella Belen and Finals MVP Alyssa Solomon, restoring NU as the league’s dominant force.

     

    Miguel’s return also adds another chapter to the Lady Bulldogs’ revolving coaching history during their most successful era.

     

    Karl Dimaculangan ended the school’s 65-year title drought by steering NU to the Season 84 championship. Miguel then reclaimed the title during his one-season return in Season 86, before Sherwin Meneses delivered another championship in Season 87 during his own one-year stint.

     

    Diego took over in Season 88, guiding the Lady Bulldogs back to the Finals but ultimately falling short of another championship.

     

    Now, the responsibility shifts back to Miguel, who faces the challenge of turning another Finals appearance into a title-winning campaign.

     

    With a roster expected to remain among the strongest in the UAAP, NU is banking on a coach who has already proven he can deliver championships, hoping familiarity and continuity will once again translate into another banner for the Lady Bulldogs in Season 89.

     

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  • NU Lady Bulldogs veterans put professional dreams on hold, return for one last championship run in Season 89

    NU Lady Bulldogs veterans put professional dreams on hold, return for one last championship run in Season 89

    The silver medal finish in UAAP Season 88 could have easily marked the end of an era for the NU Lady Bulldogs.


    Instead, it became the reason to stay. After falling short in another championship campaign, National University’s veteran stars have decided to delay their professional ambitions and return for one final season, keeping intact the core that has helped define the program’s winning culture in recent years.

     

    Veterans Vange Alinsug, Shaira Jardio, Cham Maaya, Alexa Mata, and Myrtle Escanlar have all committed to return for UAAP Season 89, giving NU one more opportunity to reclaim the crown before the team eventually transitions into a new era.

     

    Among the biggest developments was the official return of Alinsug.

     

    Following the Season 88 finals, uncertainty surrounded the future of the veteran captain after she previously responded with “We’ll see, we’ll see” when asked whether she would stay for another year or begin her professional career.

     

    Alinsug will return to lead the Lady Bulldogs one final time as NU attempts to turn a painful silver-medal finish into motivation for redemption next season.

     

    For reigning Season 88 Best Libero Jardio, meanwhile, the decision to stay was never complicated.

     

    “I stayed po dahil mahal ko ang NU community at gusto ko na mapag-champion namin yung last playing year namin,” she said.

     

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    Despite finally earning individual recognition as the league’s top libero, Jardio revealed that personal awards never became her priority throughout the season.

     

    “Hindi ko po kasi main goal yung award sa season na po to kasi yung main goal ko po talaga is yung championship,” the 21-year-old libero added.

     

    The decision of NU’s veterans to return together reflects something deeper than simply extending their collegiate careers. Rather than leave with unanswered questions and unfinished goals, the core group chose to chase one final opportunity side by side.

     

    Their return also stabilizes a program preparing for eventual transition as NU built its success around continuity, system, and culture, and bringing back its experienced leaders allows the Lady Bulldogs to remain among the top championship contenders despite the gradual departure of players from its dominant years.

     

    “Siguro reward ko nalang din sa sarili ko po ’yon at mas lalo ko pa po gagalingan sa last playing year ko po para sa team at makapag-championship po ulit,” Jardio added.

     

    While most of NU’s veteran core chose to stay, setter Lams Lamina officially closed her collegiate chapter after exhausting her eligibility and is now expected to become one of the notable names in the upcoming 2026 PVL Rookie Draft.

     

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  • Bella Belen admits NU’s title loss made her wish for one more year

    Bella Belen admits NU’s title loss made her wish for one more year

    Bella Belen thought she had already moved on from college volleyball.

     

    She had accepted the decision to leave NU Lady Bulldogs early, begin her professional career, and trust that the powerhouse program she helped build would continue thriving without her.

     

    But championships — especially lost ones — have a way of reopening old thoughts.

     

    Watching National University fall short in its bid for a third straight UAAP title against the De La Salle Lady Spikers forced Belen to confront a question she admitted she had long tried to silence.

    “Siyempre natalo kami, so bigla akong napaisip na what if nag-one more year ako,” Belen revealed during a TikTok live session Sunday night.

     

    The three-time MVP had chosen to forgo her final playing year in college to turn professional, a move many viewed as inevitable given her decorated résumé and rising stock in Philippine volleyball.

     

    Even after leaving Jhocson, however, Belen never completely detached herself from the team.

    Whenever her schedule with Capital1 Solar Spikers allowed, she attended practices, watched games, and remained closely connected to the younger players trying to carry NU’s winning tradition forward.

     

    But seeing the Lady Bulldogs lose the championship they held for two years appeared to hit differently.

     

    For perhaps the first time since leaving, Belen openly acknowledged that the collegiate experience may have ended too quickly.

     

    During the same livestream with fellow NU standout Buds Buddin, she even advised him not to rush his own exit from college volleyball.

     

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    “Gamitin mo (last playing year mo), sayang. ‘Yan ang pagkakamaling ginawa ko. Sana nag-one more year na lang ako,” she admitted.

     

    “Minsan lang ang UAAP. Once na mag-pro ka, hindi ka na makakabalik.”

     

    When Buddin later asked whether she believed NU was truly prepared to move on without her and fellow star Alyssa Solomon, Belen answered with striking honesty.

     

    “Hindi, hindi talaga,” she said.

     

    Yet despite the doubts, Belen still believed the program would eventually learn to stand on its own.

     

    “May tiwala ako sa kanila. Ready sila, pero iba pa rin kapag may gabay ng seniors and all. It’s about trust,” she added.

     

    To NU’s credit, the Lady Bulldogs still fought their way back to the finals despite losing cornerstone players from their championship core.

     

    Only this time, the ending belonged to La Salle and Angel Canino.

    Now that Season 88 is over, the conversations surrounding Belen’s early departure have naturally resurfaced.

     

    What if she stayed one more year? What if the Lady Bulldogs still had their longtime leader during the finals? What if the three-peat chase had one more experienced voice steering it?

     

    For most of the season, those questions belonged only to fans.

     

    After NU’s finals loss, even Belen herself finally admitted she had started wondering too.

     

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  • NU Lady Bulldogs set stage for familiar Finals clash with DLSU Lady Spikers

    NU Lady Bulldogs set stage for familiar Finals clash with DLSU Lady Spikers

    Big teams find their identity in pressure moments—and National University proved once again why it thrives in them.


    With their title defense hanging in the balance, the NU Lady Bulldogs absorbed an early blow before flipping the script on the UST Golden Tigresses, carving out a hard-earned 19-25, 26-24, 26-24, 25-21 victory in the UAAP Season 88 stepladder semifinals at the Araneta Coliseum.

     

    The win does more than extend NU’s campaign—it revives a rivalry that has come to define this era of women’s volleyball. 

     

    For the fourth time in the last five years, the Lady Bulldogs will face the unbeaten DLSU Lady Spikers in the Finals.

     

    After dropping the opening set, the Lady Bulldogs found themselves repeatedly pushed to the edge by a determined UST side. Yet every time the Golden Tigresses threatened to pull away, NU responded with resolve.

     

    Arah Panique emerged as the spark in the most critical stretches. With NU trailing 16-19 in the second set, she teamed up with Vange Alinsug to engineer a 10-5 turnaround that not only stole the frame, 26-24, but shifted the match’s momentum.

     

    The third set followed a familiar script. Down 20-22, NU once again leaned on Panique, who powered a 6-2 closing run to secure another razor-thin 26-24 escape and put the defending champions ahead.

     

    UST refused to fold, surging to an 18-14 lead in the fourth set in a last push to extend the match. But just when the Tigresses sensed a decider, Alinsug ignited NU’s final charge—scoring five key points in an 11-3 blitz that slammed the door shut on UST’s season.

     

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    Behind the scoring runs was the steady orchestration of playmaker Lams Lamina, who dictated NU’s offense with 34 excellent sets while adding three points of her own. Her composure under pressure earned her Player of the Game honors.

     

    “Very happy kasi lahat kami pinagtrabahuan talaga ‘yung win na ito. Crucial game siya, do-or-die, kaya sobrang happy ako sa performance ng team,” Lamina said.

     

    Panique finished with 23 points, while Alinsug contributed 18 points along with 16 receptions and seven digs in a complete all-around effort. Alexa Mata added 10 points, highlighted by five attacks, four blocks, and an ace—each contribution part of a collective stand that defined NU’s comeback.

     

    For UST, the loss marked the end of a gritty campaign. Regina Jurado led the Tigresses with 19 points and 12 digs, while Angge Poyos filled the stat sheet with 16 points, 13 receptions, and 10 digs.

     

    In what may have been her final collegiate appearance, team captain and libero Detdet Pepito anchored UST’s defense with 23 digs and eight receptions, embodying the fight that kept the Tigresses competitive until the end.

     

    With the semifinals behind them, NU now turns its focus to a bigger stage—and a familiar foe. Game 1 of the best-of-three Finals against La Salle is set for May 6 at the Mall of Asia Arena. 

     

    The Lady Bulldogs will carry with them not just momentum, but a reminder of who they are when pushed to the brink—a team that doesn’t just survive pressure, but transforms it into opportunity.

     

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  • NU, UST clash for finals berth in UAAP Season 88 volleyball Final Four showdown 

    NU, UST clash for finals berth in UAAP Season 88 volleyball Final Four showdown 

    A Finals ticket is on the line as National University Lady Bulldogs and UST Golden Tigresses collide in a high-stakes stepladder semifinal in the UAAP Season 88 women’s volleyball tournament.

     

    With top-seeded La Salle already waiting in the championship round, this matchup serves as the final hurdle—and it promises to be anything but straightforward. The winner advances to the Finals, while the loser sees its campaign come to an abrupt end in the single-elimination phase.

     

    NU enters the clash with a key advantage: rest and stability. The Lady Bulldogs secured the No. 2 seed after the elimination round, allowing them to skip the earlier knockout phase and prepare specifically for this do-or-die encounter. Known for their structured system and depth, NU has consistently been one of the league’s benchmark programs, with a history of sustained success in UAAP volleyball.

     

    On the other side, UST comes in battle-tested.

     

    The Golden Tigresses are riding a surge of momentum after surviving back-to-back elimination games just to reach this stage. They first secured their Final Four spot through a playoff win, then dismantled Adamson in straight sets in the stepladder opener behind the strong performances of Angge Poyos and Detdet Pepito.

     

    That stretch has revealed a different version of UST—one that has embraced urgency and cohesion at the most critical point of the season.

     

    Their recent form suggests a team peaking at the right time, with improved communication, defensive discipline, and balanced scoring. However, they now face a tougher challenge in NU, a squad that has already proven capable of beating them earlier in the season, including a reverse sweep that highlighted the Bulldogs’ composure under pressure.

     

    For NU, the focus will be on imposing its system early—controlling tempo, maximizing its height advantage, and limiting UST’s rhythm on offense. The Lady Bulldogs have thrived on consistency all season, and in a one-game scenario, that identity becomes even more crucial.

     

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    UST, meanwhile, leans on momentum and confidence. Having already played in high-pressure situations over the past week, the Tigresses bring a level of sharpness and urgency that could offset NU’s rest advantage. Their ability to extend rallies and capitalize on defensive stops could be key in disrupting NU’s flow.

     

    Beyond tactics, the match also carries a deeper narrative.

    It’s a clash between a program accustomed to contending and a team trying to break through. NU represents stability and sustained excellence, while UST embodies resilience and late-season growth.

     

    In a format where there are no second chances, that contrast makes the matchup even more compelling.

     

    One team will move one step closer to the title. The other will be left wondering what could have been.

     

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  • Sam Cantada’s Alas Pilipinas Inclusion: Talent Is Clear, But Is She Ready? 

    Sam Cantada’s Alas Pilipinas Inclusion: Talent Is Clear, But Is She Ready? 

    The inclusion of Sam Cantada in the initial 27-player pool for Alas Pilipinas is both exciting and revealing. It signals belief in her potential—but at the same time, it raises a fair question: is she truly ready for the demands of the senior national team, or is this simply an early investment in a player still in development?


    There’s no denying that Cantada has the skills. In her debut season with National University, the rookie has already delivered standout performances. She opened her UAAP career with 21 points and 14 excellent receptions in a comeback win over UST, immediately showing poise under pressure. 

     

    She followed that up with consistent scoring outings, including a 32-point explosion against UP—one of the highest single-game outputs in the season. These are not ordinary rookie numbers. These are flashes of a future star.

     

    Her experiences backs it up. Cantada entered the collegiate ranks as a UAAP Season 87 Girls’ Volleyball MVP and is on track to be named UAAP Season 88 Rookie of the Year. On paper, that alone justifies her inclusion in the pool.

     

    But the national team is not built on potential alone. The reality is that the Alas Pilipinas pool is filled with players who have already proven themselves at a higher level. 

     

    Names like Angel Canino, Shaina Nitura, Shevana Laput, and Alyssa Solomon bring not just talent, but experience—UAAP championships, individual awards, and even exposure in international or professional settings. 

     

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    This is where the gap becomes clear. Cantada’s game, while explosive, is still evolving. She is learning how to adjust to faster systems, more complex rotations, and higher-level decision-making—things that veterans have already mastered through years of competition. 

     

    Even within the UAAP, there are arguments that other players, such as Angge Poyos or seasoned setter Lams Lamina offer either more consistency or experience at this stage.

     

    That doesn’t mean Cantada doesn’t belong, it just means she isn’t fully ready yet.

     

    In fact, her rookie season has shown both promise and areas for growth. While she has delivered big scoring nights, consistency, composure in crucial moments, and deeper understanding of the game remain aspects she needs to refine. 

     

    Moments like her reaction to a controversial net-touch call earlier in the season sparked discussion—not because of lack of talent, but because maturity and awareness are just as important at higher levels.

     

    Even NU’s system reflects this development phase. Surrounded by veterans like Vange Alinsug and Arah Panique, Cantada is still learning how to operate within a structured, championship-caliber team. She isn’t the finished product—she’s part of a system that’s helping shape her.

     

    And that may be exactly why she was invited. The Alas Pilipinas pool is not the final roster. It’s a testing ground. As noted in reports, all 27 players—including Cantada—will still need to prove themselves to the coaching staff before earning a final spot. Her inclusion is less about immediate impact and more about exposure to a higher level of play.

     

    So, is she ready? Not yet, not in the same way the established names are. But she might be close.

    Cantada has the scoring ability, the confidence, and the early success that point toward a future national team mainstay. What she needs now is time—more UAAP battles, more high-pressure situations, and more refinement of her all-around game.

     

    Because making the national team isn’t just about being good. It’s about being ready to keep up and eventually lead against the best.

     

     

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  • UST Golden Tigresses knocks out FEU Lady Tamaraws to seal Final Four cast 

    UST Golden Tigresses knocks out FEU Lady Tamaraws to seal Final Four cast 

    When the pressure peaked and elimination loomed, the championship pedigree of University of Santo Tomas Golden Tigresses surfaced once again.


    The Golden Tigresses carved out a hard-earned 16-25, 25-20, 25-18, 25-16 victory over Far Eastern University Lady Tamaraws in their do-or-die playoff clash on Saturday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, securing the final spot in the UAAP Season 88 Final Four and extending their streak to six consecutive semifinal appearances.

     

    FEU struck first, stealing the opening set and briefly threatening to extend UST’s season. But once the Tigresses found their rhythm, the match shifted sharply in their favor as they controlled the next three frames with improved defense and a steadier offensive flow.

     

    Leading the turnaround was Angge Poyos, who delivered a commanding all-around performance with 26 points built on 22 attacks and four blocks, alongside seven excellent receptions and five digs. 

     

    Her timely scoring and defensive presence anchored UST’s recovery after a disappointing reverse sweep loss to defending champion National University just days earlier.

     

    “Sobrang saya lang din talaga kasi pinaghandaan namin ‘tong game na ‘to. Masakit man yung pagkatalo namin nung last Wednesday pero nag move-on kaagad kami, talagang tinrabaho namin, and yung effort ng bawa’t isa talaga nakita naman…Grateful na nakuha namin yung panalo today and sana magtuloy-tuloy na sa Final Four,” Poyos, Season 86 Rookie of the Year said.

     

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    The support cast also stepped up in a balanced team effort. Reg Jurado added 11 points and 12 digs, while Xyza Gula contributed nine points with steady floor defense of 11 digs and seven receptions. 

     

    Meanwhile, setter Cassie Carballo kept the offense steady with 21 excellent sets, two points, and seven digs, ensuring UST maintained control in the latter stages of the match.

     

    Captain Detdet Pepito once again provided defensive stability, tallying 15-of-17 excellent receptions and 18 digs out of 27 attempts.

     

    “Alam naman nating ngayong season, sobrang unpredictable — lahat kayang manalo. Grateful lang ako sa coaches na grabe yung tiyaga sa amin, at saka sa teammates ko na iniyakan ko kagabi pa lang na, please ayaw ko pang mag pro,” Pepito said.

     

    With the win, UST now shifts its focus to a stepladder showdown against third-seeded Adamson University on Wednesday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. 

     

    A victory would send them to face defending champion National University, with the winner earning a Finals clash against unbeaten La Salle in a best-of-three championship series.

     

    For FEU, the defeat marked the end of its campaign in fifth place, missing the Final Four for the first time in two seasons. Gerzel Petallo led the Lady Tamaraws with 14 points, while Tin Ubaldo closed her collegiate stint with 15 excellent sets in her final game.

     

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  • UST-FEU Final Four showdown set as NU seals No. 2 seed in UAAP women’s volleyball race 

    UST-FEU Final Four showdown set as NU seals No. 2 seed in UAAP women’s volleyball race 

    The spotlight in UAAP Season 88 women’s volleyball now shifts to a winner-take-all battle between University of Santo Tomas and Far Eastern University, with the final Final Four ticket hanging.


    Both squads are left standing after contrasting paths in the closing stretch of the eliminations, setting up a high-pressure playoff scheduled on April 25 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

     

    UST finds itself in survival mode after dropping a tough reverse sweep loss to defending champions National University, 19-25, 23-25, 25-18, 25-18, 15-13. The defeat halted their push for a secure semifinals berth and forced them into a sudden-death scenario.

     

    The Growling Tigresses, however, showed enough firepower to stay in the race. Angge Poyos delivered 24 points, 15 receptions, and nine digs, while Regina Jurado added 21 points and 16 digs. Cassie Carballo ran the offense with 25 excellent sets, and Detdet Pepito anchored the defense with 20-of-22 excellent receptions and 16 digs.

     

    Despite the setback, Pepito emphasized composure and enjoyment amid the pressure-packed moment.

     

    “Sinasabi ko palagi sa kanila na, ‘Guys, ayaw ko pang mag-pro, please. After na ng UAAP, saka ko iisipin kung last ko na. So focus lang talaga sa goal at trabahuhin yung mga weaknesses namin,” she said.

     

    “Yung pressure, andoon na. Do-or-die na, lalo sa akin. Mabigat po talaga yung laro, pero kailangan mapakita ko sa mga bata na kailangan pa rin naming mag-enjoy. ‘Pag nag-e-enjoy kami, mas madaling maglaro,” the former UAAP Best Libero added.

     

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    FEU, meanwhile, arrives with momentum after keeping its Final Four hopes alive with a four-set comeback win over Ateneo, 22-25, 23-25, 25-12, 25-21.

     

    Gerzel Petallo led the charge with 17 points, 16 digs, and 11 receptions, while Lovely Lopez contributed 13 points and 26 receptions. Kyle Pendon also stepped up with 13 points built on a strong all-around effort.

     

    With everything on the line, FEU head coach Tina Salak remains confident in her squad’s mindset heading into the knockout clash.

     

    “Kung magkaroon pa kami ng chance, we’ll take it without any questions.I know mahirap, but for me, it’s about kung ano yung gusto namin. Dapat lahat kami pare-pareho,” veteran head coach said.

     

    While the UST-FEU duel takes center stage, defending champions National University quietly completed their own business, finishing the elimination round with a 10-4 record to secure the No. 2 seed and a direct path to the Final Four, reinforcing their status as the team to beat in the postseason.

    On the other hand, the De La Salle Lady Spikers have already secured a Finals berth after finishing the elimination round with a perfect 14-0 record, while Adamson University clinched the third seed.

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  • FEU battles for survival as UST eyes final spot in UAAP Season 88 women’s volleyball Final Four

    FEU battles for survival as UST eyes final spot in UAAP Season 88 women’s volleyball Final Four

    The UAAP Season 88 women’s volleyball Final Four picture is heading into its most important stretch yet, with teams—UST Golden Tigresses, NU Lady Bulldogs, and FEU Lady Tamaraws locked in a tense battle where every set could reshape the postseason.


    At the center of it all is UST, which carries an 8-5 record into its 3 p.m. showdown at the Smart Araneta Coliseum against defending champion NU. A win seals the Golden Tigresses’ return to the Final Four putting them at the Final Four spot.

     

    UST is also trying to avoid getting dragged into a playoff scenario with FEU, which sits at 7-6 and still has a chance. 

     

    Lady Tamaraws must first take care of Ateneo, who is already out of contention at 2-11, then hope UST falls in order to force a knockout duel for the final semifinal slot.

     

    For NU, the stakes are just as sharp despite already securing a Final Four spot. The Lady Bulldogs, holding a 9-4 record, are looking to steady themselves after a missed opportunity to clinch a twice-to-beat advantage following a loss to La Salle. 

     

    A win over UST not only restores momentum but also strengthens their grip on the No. 2 seed.

    However, a NU loss opens the door to a complicated finish. Combined with a potential FEU win, the standings could tighten into a three-way 9-5 tie scenario where match points determine survival and seeding. 

     

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    NU and Adamson, both with strong match point totals would likely advance, but positioning could still shift, potentially forcing a playoff for the No. 2 seed while UST slips to fourth.

     

    In that case, UST would still have a path but a longer one—entering a stepladder scenario where it would face the loser of a NU–Adamson clash just to reach the semifinals against top-seeded La Salle.

     

    For NU assistant coach Yani Fernandez, the focus remains on regrouping after a narrow setback and sharpening execution at the most critical point of the season.

     

    UST, meanwhile, leans on its offensive leader Angge Poyos, who has emerged as the league’s second-best scorer behind Adamson’s Shai Nitura. She emphasized that finishing the elimination round will require a full-team effort rather than individual brilliance.

     

    NU’s camp, for its part, remains confident through veteran setter Arah Panique, who believes the Lady Bulldogs can recover quickly from their recent stumble and secure their preferred semifinal path.

     

    On the outside looking in, FEU’s victory over Ateneo keeps the door open, but only a UST collapse against NU can extend their season.

     

    For the Ateneo Blue Eagles, already out of Final Four contention at 2-11, the focus has shifted to finishing strong after finally snapping a long losing stretch earlier in the season.

     

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