After losing both of their matches in the 78th Season of the UAAP, the National University Lady Bulldogs exacted revenge on the Far Eastern University Lady Tamaraws, climbing back and taking their Shakey’s V-League encounter in five sets, 25-17, 24-26, 14-25, 25-18, 15-11, at the PhilSports Arena.
NU’s win assured them of the first seat in a hotly-contested semifinals race.
NU were down 1-2 in sets entering the fourth quarter. The Lady Bulldogs dominated the match from thereon, through the attacking of Aiko Urdas and Jaja Santiago. NU pulled away in the fourth set, 21-14, after consecutive timely defensive plays and a resulting counter attack. The ladies from Sampaloc then blitzed the Lady Tams in the fifth set, taking an 11-6 lead and never looking back.
“Marami pa ring mga lapses na nangyayari sa five sets na laban. Pero overall, masaya kami sa resulta na nakuha namin,” said NU assisant coach Edjet Mabbayad, who is still manning the sidelines for vacationing head coach Roger Gorayeb.
“Maganda na nakita ko na kumapit sila kahit nilalamangan sila. Nakita namin ang maganda nilang response under pressure,” he added.
6’6” NU middle hitter Jaja Santiago led the attack with 19 points. Aiko Urdas added 15, while Jorelle Singh managed 12.
FEU opposite hitter Toni Basas led all scorers with 21 points off 17 attacks and four aces. Team captain Remy Palma adder 14, while Bernadette Pons managed 12.
NU (3-1) end their quarters campaign on Monday, 4 pm, when they take on the University of the Philippines Lady Maroons (2-1) at the PhilSports Arena. FEU (2-1) will try to bounce back against the San Sebastian Lady Stags (2-1) on Saturday, 4 pm, at the FilOil Flying V Centre.
The Scores
NU (3) – Santiago 19, Urdas 15, Singh 12, Doromal 8, Sato 8, Nabor 3, Valdez (L)
FEU (2) – Basas 21, Palma 14, Pons 12, Guino-O 8, Domingo 4, Hernandez 3, Villareal 2, Negrito 1, Malabanan 0, Duremdes (L), Atienza (L)
