Lady Bulldogs fend off gritty Lady Tams to barge into UAAP Finals 

MANILA, Philippines — NU Lady Bulldogs overcame a slow start to defeat FEU Lady Tamaraws in a thrilling five-set match, 20-25, 22-25, 25-23, 25-14, 17-15, securing their fourth consecutive UAAP women's volleyball finals appearance on Saturday at the Araneta Coliseum.

Bella Belen's double-double performance, including 24 points and 14 excellent digs, and Alyssa Solomon's 21 points led the Lady Bulldogs to victory.

After a strong start by FEU, NU mounted a comeback, equalizing the set score at 2-2 with wins in the third and fourth sets.

In the decisive fifth set, both teams traded points as FEU's Lovely Lopez ended the long rally. to tie the game at 14-all.

Vangie Alinsug slammed a powerful crosscourt attack, but Lopez retaliated with a smart placement shot, 15-15.

Belen's powerful attacks sealed the win for NU.

Faida Bakanke scored 15 points for FEU while Gerzel Petallo and Jazlyn Ellarina added 14 points each.