Bella Belen and the NU Lady Bulldogs celebrate a point against UST Golden Tigresses in the UAAP Season 87 women’s volleyball tournament. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

National University slammed the door shut on University of Santo Tomas, sending a strong message ahead of the UAAP Season 87 women’s volleyball Final Four.

Already locked in as the top seed with a twice-to-beat bonus, the defending champions outlasted the Golden Tigresses, 23-25, 25-17, 25-18, 22-25, 15-9, Sunday at Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.

READ: Final Four bonus in pocket, NU Lady Bulldogs looking to make statement

“Even after getting tired and seeing (UST’s) determination, I didn’t see fear in my teammates,” said NU skipper Bella Belen, who led the way with 26 points on top of 17 digs and 13 receptions.

So, even after they stole the fourth set, I had no doubts we’d not lose in the fifth and win the game.”

UST needed a win to snare the No. 2 seed outright, but instead fell into a playoff against La Salle for the other semifinal bonus. Both squads, which finished the preliminaries at 9-5, tangle Wednesday 2 p.m. at Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.

UST Golden Tigresses during a game against NU Lady Bulldogs in the UAAP Season 87 women’s volleyball tournament. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

Alyssa Solomon backed up Belen with another strong showing with 23 points, including two blocks, as NU finished the eliminations at 12-2 and will now face fourth seed Far Eastern University in the Final Four.

“I think we have more to show. We don’t get tired of striving for improvement. It’s as if we’re chasing a certain standard,” said Solomon.

Reg Jurado topscored for UST with 19 points, while Angge Poyos and Marga Hilongo added 15 and 10 points, respectively, in the loss as the Tigresses couldn’t keep up against a Lady Bulldogs squad determined to stay sharp for the high-stakes matches ahead.