The NU Lady Bulldogs in their semifinal match against the Letran Lady Knights in the 2024 Shakey's Super League National Invitationals, July 14, 2024 at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium. Handout/SSL

MANILA (UPDATED) -- National University overwhelmed Colegio de San Juan de Letran in straight sets to march to the finals of the 2024 Shakey's Super League (SSL) National Invitationals, Sunday at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

The Lady Bulldogs claimed a clinical 25-19, 25-18, 25-21 triumph in their knockout semifinals match, displaying their championship poise in the third set when the Lady Knights threatened to come back from a nine-point deficit.

The reigning UAAP champions now have a 4-0 win-loss record in the tournament. 

READ: Letran, NU set up semis clash in SSL Nat'l Invitationals

"Happy na nanalo kami and will play in the championship. Everybody played their role pero need pa rin talaga ng connections especially yung mga new players," NU coach Norman Miguel said.

The Lady Bulldogs will take on Far Eastern University in an all-UAAP finals after the Lady Tamaraws also made quick work of reigning NCAA champions College of St. Benilde, 25-16, 25-16, 25-16, in the other semifinal pairing.

The best-of-3 championship series starts on Monday afternoon at the same venue.

Two-time UAAP Most Valuable Player Bella Belen led the way for NU with 18 points off 14 kills, three aces and a kill block while Arah Panique scored nine markers. The two players were able to suit up for the Lady Bulldogs after the national team's training camp in Japan was moved to a later date.

Erin Pangilinan had eight points while Vange Alinsug and Aishat Bello scored six each for the Lady Bulldogs.

National U built a 20-11 lead against Letran in Set 3, but the NCAA Season 99 runners-up won nine of the next 12 rallies to come within three points late, 23-20.

Bello stopped the bleeding for NU with a timely push to Letran's back row, sending her team to match point. Letran saved one but Myrtle Escanlar took matters into her own hands with the game-winning kill.

Gia Maquilang had 12 points while Nizelle Martin finished with 10 for Letran, which will take on the other semis loser in the battle for third place.    

The battle for bronze is also a best-of-three affair.