National University (NU) stamped its class over Xavier University-Northern Mindanao, 25-15, 25-13, 25-13, for a sweep of Pool A to advance in the next round of the Shakey’s Super League (SSL) National Invitationals at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium on Friday.
Middle blocker Aishat Bello had nine points, including four aces, while Evangeline Alinsug chipped in eight points on six attacks and two blocks for NU, which will face the University of Southern Philippines Foundation in the knockout quarterfinals.
Middle blockers Erin Pangilinan and Minerva Maaya contributed five points each for the UAAP champion Lady Bulldogs.
“Masaya po at nanalo even without the senior players, but we saw complacency in their performance. Sakit pa rin ng team namin na magkaron ng tendency na mag-relax ‘pag alam nila na medyo under skilled ‘yung opponent, that’s what I told them. That’s not good for me (We're happy that we won even without the senior players, but we saw complacency in their performance. The team still has the tendency to relax when they know that the opponent is a bit under skilled, that's what I told them. That's not good for me),” said NU head coach Norman Miguel after the one hour and 15-minute match.
“But nevertheless, it's good that the players stepped up especially Vange, Abe Pono with the help of Erin Pangilinan. Our rookies played good today,” he added.
NU’s win gave Enderun Colleges a free ride into the next round.
Enderun College, which prevailed over Xavier University, 25-12, 25-21, 25-18, last Thursday, will play Pool D’s top seed in the quarters.
Opposite Chrys Dominique Biongcog led Xavier University with four attacks and one block while Charity Marie Rockwell added two attacks, one block, and an ace.
Meanwhile, Far Eastern University (FEU) marched to the quarterfinals after beating Lyceum of the Philippines University, 25-15, 25-13, 25-12, to top Pool C.
Wing spiker Lovely Lopez finished with 10 points while Melody Pons and Jean Asis added seven points each for the unbeaten Lady Tamaraws, who will face the No. 2 seed in Pool B in the next round.
Opposite Ashley Muchillas led the Lady Pirates with five attacks while middle blocker Angelica Cruz and wing spikers Joan De Guzman and Marinel Sagayno contributed four points each.
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