After the National University’s straight set win over the Adamson University, Lady Bulldogs head coach Roger Gorayeb spoke as if his team had lost the match.
“Hindi ganitong panalo ‘yung makakabigay sa amin ng confidence. ‘Yun pa naman ang kailangan namin ngayon,” Gorayeb told the media in his post-match address.
The Lady Bulldogs, who are fighting for a spot in the Final Four, struggled to put away the winless Lady Falcons. The final score line of 25-21, 25-20, 25-19 was too close for comfort for an NU team chasing their elusive peak.
NU could not improve on their weak points. Currently the league’s worst receiving team and second worst digging squad, the Lady Bulldogs surrendered miscues and errors unbecoming of Final Four aspirants. Luckily for them, the Lady Falcons topped their 27 errors with 34 of their own.
“Tumahimik na lang ako, ayaw ko nang nagsasalita kasi hindi tama eh,” Gorayeb said when asked about the cold way he had addressed his squad.
“Whoever you are up against, ang tingin mo lang dapat diyan ay kalaban. Que malakas yan, que mahina yan, kahit nasa dulo, laro yan eh. This is a competition. itong laro na ito ay hindi naman to satisfy everybody. We have to satisfy yung ranking ng team. You’re up against the tail-ender ng eliminations, walang panalo. I expect them to be stronger than that, no need for me to tell them.”
Adamson kept the match close from the onset of each set, only for NU to storm ahead with a set-clinching run. The last frame, however, had the Lady Falcons take a 12-5 lead, as backup setter Larni Aberin struggled to conduct NU’s offense. The Lady Bulldogs climbed back when Jasmine Nabor entered the match and buoyed the Lady Bulldogs to a 21-18 lead and the win.
Jaja Santiago led the Lady Bulldogs with 15 points off 13-for-21 attacking, while Jorelle Singh tallied 10 markers.
NU have a momentary leg up on the muddled race for the bottom two Final Four spots with a 5-3 record. They take on defending champs De La Salle University Lady Spikers on Sunday at the Smart Araneta Colisem.
Jema Galanza led her Lady Falcons with another triple-double of 15 points, 12 digs, and 11 excellent receptions.
The Lady Falcons fall to a 0-8 record. They take on the Far Eastern University Lady Tamaraws, also on Sunday.
The Scores
NU (3) – Santiago 15, Singh 10, Urdas 5, Sato 4, Paran 3, Doromal 2, Nabor 2, Aberin 0, Doria 0, Valdez (L), Chavez (L)
AdU (0) – Galanza 15, Flora 9, Dacoron 4, Jaoquin 3, Caole 1, Dahab 1, Matias 0, Mohammad 0, Momo 0, Ponce (L)
