NATIONAL University worked hard all-elimination round long to secure the No. 1 ranking in the UAAP women’s volleyball tournament.

With the twice-to-beat protection, the Lady Bulldogs hope to get the job done and continue their redemption and reclaim the crown they won in 2022.

But fourth-ranked Far Eastern University has other plans, dragging NU to a do-or-die match on Wednesday.

Chenie Tagaod had 12 points and 10 receptions, setter Tin Ubaldo tossed in 16 excellent sets while libero Anne Monares collected 10 digs and 14 receptions as the Lady Tamaraws lived another day with a 25-23, 25-17, 25-23 win over the Lady Bulldogs.

“Maganda po yung pinakita ng FEU. Talagang na-outsmart po nila kami,” said Bella Belen, the Season 84 MVP.

Mitzi Panangin had a match-best four blocks and was the other Lady Tamaraw in double digits with 10 points.

FEU is eyeing to become the No. 4 team to reach the league’s biggest stage in the Final Four era. The Lady Tamaraws last made it to the title round in 2018 with Bernadeth Pons leading the squad.

“Meron kasi talaga akong feeling kagabi pa lang na baka ma-relax kami kasi tinalo namin yung FEU nung elimination round. So lagi ko silang nire-remind na huwag dapat kami makampante,” said Belen.

“Kasi yun nga, twice-to-beat kami pero hindi na dapat namin paabutin sa do-or-die. Katulad ngayon, umabot na po, so wala na kaming magagawa,” she added.

The Lady Tamaraws were able to survive despite the game-long struggles of their second and third leading scorers Gerzel Petallo and Congo’s Faida Bakanke.

Belen was at her usual best with 12 points, six digs and six receptions but Alyssa Solomon, NU’s No. 2 scorer had to bleed her points with eight on 7-of-33 kills. Vange Alinsug, on the other hand, recorded 8-of-31 spikes.

The Lady Bulldogs have no recourse but to win, given another chance of claiming a place in the title round.

“Do-or-die na po eh. Wala na pong uurungan. Kung matalo man kami, wala na; kung manalo kami, pasok kami sa Finals. So kailangan namin ibigay lahat, ibuhos na namin lahat kasi wala naman pong magagawa kung gawin namin yung 100 percent effort namin,” Belen said.