The National University Lady Bulldogs are currently enjoying a smooth ride so far in the ongoing Shakey’s V-League Season 12 Collegiate Conference thanks to the stabilizing presence of their former middle blocker and now guest player Dindin Santiago Manabat.
However, Manabat will now shift her focus on her Philippine Superliga (PSL) team, the Petron Blaze Spikers, after the Lady Bulldogs last quarterfinals game against the undefeated Ateneo Lady Eagles this coming Sunday, 3:00 pm, at the Filoil Flying V Arena.
“Problema namin sa pagdating ng semis wala si Dindin. [Babalik na siya doon] sa Petron,” National University head coach Roger Gorayeb told reporters. “Matatapat kasi doon [sa PSL] at tatamaan, bahala na si Batman.”
In addition, Gorayeb remarked that the Lady Bulldogs also have no other options to fill-in the void left by Manabat. Even with the sudden presence of Filipino-Japanese volleybelle Risa Sato at the Bulldog’s helm, guest players can only play for one team in the league. Sato saw action as Ateneo’s guest player during the earlier parts of the tournament.
“Wala naman kami maipapalit [na guest player],” Gorayeb added. “By rule, [si Sato kasi] bawal na pag ginamit na at qualified pa siya doon sa Ateneo. Hindi mo pwede palaruin uli ang isang guest player sa ibang team.”
National U is currently etched atop at the standings at second place with a 5-1 card. They are already assured of a semis slot in the V-League after their recent straight sets win against the UST Tigresses last Sunday.
