The National University Lady Bulldogs barely broke a sweat as they toppled the Jose Rizal University Lady Bombers in straight sets, 25-11, 25-15, 25-13, and remaining on top of Group A in the Premier Volleyball League Collegiate Conference at the FilOil Flying V Centre.
National U had three players in double-digits, while JRU had none. Moreover, the Lady Bulldogs were unrelenting in each scoring skill, nabbing nine aces, five blocks and 40 spikes. JRU had just three aces, zero blocks, and 14 spikes.
Diminutive open hitter Jorelle Singh led National U with 13 points. National Team stalwart Jaja Santiago added 12 markers, while Fil-Japanese middle hitter Risa Sato finished with 11 points.
“I’m very close to being satisfied with our performance,” said NU head coach Babes Castillo.
“The players are slowly getting the system. They’re beginning to understand their roles better as we play more games. We’re looking to keep our improvement going,” the rookie head coach stated.
The Lady Bulldogs (4-0) have clinched a semis seat, but face a tough challenge to end the elimination round against the Ateneo de Manila University Lady Eagles (3-1) on Saturday at the FilOil Flying V Centre.
NU and Ateneo have clashed in the last three PVL Finals, with the Lady Bulldogs coming away with gold each time.
Taking on his first Ateneo assignment, Castillo welcomes the pressure.
“I like pressure. I think better when I’m under pressure,” expressed Castillo.
Captain Shola Alvarez topped the Lady Bombers with five markers.
JRU (0-4) end their PVL campaign against the Far Eastern University Lady Tamaraws (2-1) on Wednesday.
The Scores
NU (3) – Singh 13, Santiago 12, Sato 11, Urdas 8, Paran Doria 2, 7, Nabor 1, Doromal 0, Chavez (L), Valdez (L)
JRU (0) – Alvarez 5, Montojo 4, Ebuenga 3, Versoza 3, Bodiongan 0, Bondoc 0, Sibangan 0, Macaraya (L)
