NUNS, Kings’ Montessori secure semis berths

National University-Nazareth School demolished Far Eastern University-Diliman, 25-6, 25-23, 25-17, to barge into the semifinals of the 2024 Shakey’s Girls Volleyball Invitational League Wednesday at the Adamson University Gym.

Relying on their solid net defense to complement their relentless spiking barrage led by Diza Berayo and superb service game, the Lady Bullpups only needed one hour and 21 minutes to eliminate the Lady Baby Tamaraws in their knockout quarterfinal showdown.

The UAAP Season 86 runner-up NUNS will face in the semis today at the Paco Arena the survivor between Adamson University and Lyceum of the Philippines University, which is still playing as of press time.

Berayo fired 18 points anchored on 13 kills, three kill blocks, and two aces for the Lady Bullpups, who outsized FEU, 36-23 while scoring 11 kill blocks.

“Honestly, yung 3-0 game na ‘to, hindi ko ine-expect ‘yun. Hindi siguro din nila ine-expect. Alam naman namin na hindi kami kumpleto pero kasi pinaghandaan din naman namin sila yesterday sa training, especially,” NUNS head coach Norman Miguel said.

Meanwhile, Kings’ Montessori School swept Bethel Academy College, 25-17, 25-23, 25-17, in the other quarters pairing.

Shahanna Lleses paced the Lady Vikings with 18 points while Shekaina Lleses posted 11 markers.

Kings’ Montessori will take on the winner between last year’s third placer Bacolod Tay Tung and Arellano University, which are disputing a seat into the next round as of press time.

Shane Reterta led the Bethelites with 16 points and April Tre-inta added nine.

NUNS also landed 11 aces and took advantage of FEU-Diliman’s 17 errors for a return trip to the Final Four of the country’s premier grassroots volleyball tournament backed by Shakey’s Pizza Parlor, Eurotel, Victory Liner, Smart Sports, Mikasa, Team Rebel Sports, Data Project, Genius Sports and Robinsons Malls.

“’Yun din naman talaga ‘yung aming game plan. The game plan will start on the service, and then the rest will follow. Yun lang, naging effective naman,” Miguel added.

Celine Marsh had 14 points, 11 coming from kills, while Robielle Silla got 10 markers for NUNS.

The Lady Bullpups had to stave off a late fightback by the Lady Baby Tamaraws in the second set after a dominant opening frame.

FEU-Diliman saved two set points to close the gap, 24-23, following back-to-back points by Sheen Café before Kary Miranda sealed it for NUNS.

The Lady Bullpups controlled the third set as they shattered an 8-8 deadlock with a decisive 9-2 run to take a comfortable cushion before cruising for the win.

Lovely Lopez was the lone FEU-Diliman player in double figures with 10 points while Café had five.

In the third game, Bacolod Tay Tung punched a semifinal ticket after booting out Arellano University, 25-17, 25-21, 25-20.

The Thunderbolts, who finished third in the inaugural edition, set up a rematch against their group stage victim Kings’ Montessori School in the Final Four.

Ana Hermosura powered the unbeaten Bacolod Tay Tung to its fourth straight win with 14 points.

Games in the SGVIL, organized by Athletic Events and Sports Management, Inc., are available via live stream on Smart Sports and Puso Pilipinas, Aliw 23 (free TV), and Solar Sports (cable).