The National University Lady Bulldogs won their third straight match in Group A of the Shakey’s V-League Collegiate Conference, taking care of the Technolohical Institute of the Philippines Lady Engineers in straight sets, 25-17, 25-17, 25-18, at the PhilSports Arena.
The towering Jaja Santiago dominated with 19 points off 14 attacks, two blocks, and three aces. Fil-Japanese Foreign Student Athlete Risa Sato managed 10 markers for the still-undefeated Lady Bulldogs.
The Lady Bulldogs controlled much of the match, except for a stretch when their passing failed them and allowed TIP to take a 10-4 lead in the second frame. After a timeout, NU quickly regained control of the set, rattling off an 8-0 run take take a 12-10 lead. Hits and blocks from Santiago elevated the lead to six, 20-14, putting TIP on the ropes for the rest of the match.
The Sampaloc squad started the third set slowly, but broke away from an 8-all tie to take a 16-10 lead and seal their victory with bench players.
“May mga kailangan pa rin kaming ayusin especially sa passing at depensa namin. Pero kita mo naman ang improvement sa kanila. Siguro kailangan pa nang kaunting confidence,” said NU assistant coach Edjet Mabbayad.
TIP’s guest players carried their offense, with Chie Saet tossing 32 excellent sets and Mylene Paat managing 11 points.
NU (3-0) take a long break before facing the struggling Ateneo de Manila University Lady Eagles (0-2) for their final group match on August 20, 6 pm, at the PhilSpoets Arena. TIP (1-1) tackle the University of Perpetual Help System – Dalta Altas (0-1) on August 10, 6 pm, also at the PhilSports Arena.
The Scores
NU (3) – Santiago 19, Sato 10, Paran 9, Urdas 6, Nabor 5, Doromal 3, Doria 2, Chavez (L), Valdez (L)
TIP (0) – Paat 11, Layug 6, Fidel 5, Maturan 5, Mabayao 3, Espinosa 1, Saet 1, Soliva (L), Openiano (L)
