Defending champion National University flexed just enough muscle in disposing of Jose Rizal University, 25-11, 25-12, 25-11, to formalize its playoff entry in the Shakey’s Super League Collegiate Pre-Season Championship Season 2 Sunday at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum in Manila.
The Lady Bulldogs got the job done in just 67 minutes of play as the Lady Bombers offered little resistance in each of the three sets to complete a 3-0 sweep in Pool A entering the playoffs.
NU also found no trouble dismantling San Sebastian College-Recoletos, 25-18, 25-15, 25-13, and the University of the East, 25-15, 25-19, 25-15 to carry over a perfect slate to the playoffs featuring the top two teams from each group.
The Lady Bulldogs will tangle with Pool B No. 2 Arellano, Pool C No. 1 University of Santo Tomas and still-to-be-known Pool D No. 2 in the new Pool E for the next round of the SSL Season 2.
Pool F will have Pool A No. 2 University of the East, Pool B leader Adamson, Pool B top-seed Far Eastern University and Pool C second placer College of Saint Benilde for a single-round robin playoff positioning starting on 14 October before the crossover quarterfinals against Pool E teams.
Eight players scored at least five points in NU’s barrage led by rookie Arah Ella Panique with 10 points on seven hits, two blocks and an ace. Nataszha Kaye Bombita and reigning SSL Most Valuable Player Alyssa Solomon added eight points each.
They also drew ample support from Mhicaela Belen, Minerva Maaya and Myrtle Escanlar with six points apiece as Aishat Bello and captain Erin May Pangilinan chipped in five each.
