Despite missing ace scorer Jaja Santiago, the National University Lady Bulldogs sent down the winless University of Perpetual Help System Dalta Lady Altas in four sets, 25-10, 25-21, 25-16, 27-25, in the 13th Shakey’s V-League Collegiate Conference, Wednesday evening at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City.
Their victory marks their third straight one this season, thus solidifying their hold of the number one spot in Group A. The Lady Altas, meanwhile, went winless in the tourney and have played their last game tonight.
The Lady Bulldogs played seamless volleyball in the opening set, consistently targeting n the Lady Altas’ weak net and floor defenses through open hits and service aces. With Aiko Urdas, Riza Sato, and Roselyn Doria heating up offensely, NU easily took a 1-0 set lead over their NCAA counterparts, 25-10.
The error bug bit NU in the following set. The Lady Altas then capitalized on NU’s slow start, scoring off errors and quick hits to post a 16-13 lead midway. NU, however, quickly regained their stance and made it a 20-all knot. But UPHSD outscored NU 4-1 to snatch the second set and avoid a 2-0 hole, 25-21.
NU regained momentum in the third canto, coasting away from UPHSD with a wide twelve-point lead, 21-9, with Urdas providing offense. But UPHSD fought back from the wide gap to reach within six, 22-16. However, they failed to sustain momentum as NU nailed three straight points to go up 2-1, 25-16.
The Lady Altas gave NU a tight battle in the fourth and final frame, pushing the set into a 17-all affair. From the tie, NU turned the favor in their side and nailed the set point, 24-19. But UPHSD scored six straight to grab the lead, 24-25. That proved to be their final run, as NU answered with a 3-0 run capped by a Jorelle Singh block to win the match, 27-25.
“Nakita natin yung attitude ng mga players. Medyo nagrerelax,” said NU assistant coach Edjet Mabbayad after his team had squandered a chance of earning a victory via sweep. “Kailangan namin alisin yung ganoong attitide during games. Kahit sinong kalaban, dapat all out.”
Four Lady Bulldogs scored in double figures. Doria led all scorers with 16 points. Urdas had 13, while Sato and Jasmine Nabor scored 12 and 11, respectively.
Lourdes Clemente paced the Lady Altas with 12 markers.
NU (3-0) will have their next match against the Ateneo De Manila University Lady Eagles this Saturday, August 20, 6PM, at the FilOil Flying V Center in San Juan.
Box scores:
NU (3) – Doria 16, Urdas 13, Sato 12, Nabor 11, Singh 8, Doromal 7, Paran 6, Valdez (L), Chavez (L).
UPHSD (1) – Clemente 12, Rosal 7, Versoza 6, Sanggalang 6, Bravo 5, Tripoli 4, Imbo 1, Suyat 0, Umandal 0, Estanislao 0, Raterta 0, Medalla (L), Coching (L).
