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Manila Bulletin devider Sports devider Collegiate devider NU out to solidify hold on No. 2 spot

NU out to solidify hold on No. 2 spot

Published Apr 21, 2026 02:34 pm

At A Glance

  • Reigning champion National University looks to tighten its grip on the No. 2 spot when it vents its ire against semifinal hopeful University of Santo Tomas in their crucial tiff in the UAAP Season 88 women's volleyball tournament at Smart Araneta Coliseum Wednesday, April 22.
Vange Alinsug goes all as she leads NU against UST for a solid hold of No. 2 spot. (UAAP Media)
Vange Alinsug goes all as she leads NU against UST for a solid hold of No. 2 spot. (UAAP Media)
Reigning champion National University looks to tighten its grip on the No. 2 spot when it vents its ire against semifinal hopeful University of Santo Tomas in their crucial tiff in the UAAP Season 88 women’s volleyball tournament at Smart Araneta Coliseum Wednesday, April 22.
As elimination round marks its final quadruple header where implications are aplenty, the Lady Bulldogs (9-4) seek a rebound win over the Golden Tigresses (8-5) in their 3 p.m. collision, which go after the 1 p.m. clash between Far Eastern University (7-6) and Ateneo (2-11).
Both games are must-win contests as they could set up playoff scenarios. Should NU stumble against UST, it would face Adamson (9-5) for the No. 2 seed and a spot in the stepladder second round.
If the results swing the other way, NU moves on to the stepladder second round, while UST sets up a playoff with FEU for the No. 4 spot, though the Lady Tamaraws must first beat the Blue Eagles to stay alive.
Following their heartbreaking five-set loss to De La Salle University (14-0), NU is determined to regain its winning form ahead of the semis, especially that a loss could cost them a comfortable spot in the semis. 
Skipper Vange Alinsug is expected to pour it all for the Lady Bulldogs along with fellow veterans Lams Lamina, Shaira Jardio, Chams Maaya, and Alexa Mata with the help of Arah Panique and rookie standout Sam Cantada.
Easier said than done, NU’s task, despite winning in their first meeting, is tougher this time as a gritty UST side is anticipated to play their hearts out for its mission of completing its semis return bid with MVP frontliner Angge Poyos, Reg Jurado, and Cassie Carballo showing the way.
“For me mahirap ‘yong situation, pero for us players, need lang namin is tiyagain namin kasi nandito na kami sa sitwasyon na ‘to and patapos na ‘yong season,” said Poyos.
“Yong tiyaga and patience sa sarili and sa team talagang ‘yon ‘yong puhunan namin para matapos ang season ng maayos and makapasok sa Final Four,” she added. “And mag-over achieve if makapasok man sa finals.”
Detdet Pepito also seeks to better her performance as this would be her final shot for an elusive title for the España-based squad, which is fresh off a four-set triumph over University of the Philippines, and a win against NU could only boost that goal.
Meanwhile, Tin Ubaldo and the Lady Tamaraws, who absorbed a three-set defeat to the Lady Falcons, are in a do-or-die situation when they target a season sweep against the Dona De Leon-led Blue Eagles.
Ubaldo and Co. need to showcase their A-game if they still want to continue their campaign this year, but the challenge may be harder as Ateneo has nothing to lose and is looking to end Season 88 off the flyer.

Related Tags

UAAP Season 88 NU Lady Bulldogs De La Salle Lady Spikers Sam Cantada Vange Alinsug UST Golden Tigresses Angge Poyos FEU Lady Tamaraws Ateneo Blue Eagles
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