The National University Lady Bulldogs raced to the top of the UAAP Season 79 standings after notching their third win at the expense of the rebuilding Adamson University Lady Falcons 25-15, 25-22, 25-19 at the FilOil Flying V Centre.
Adamson fought hard at the beginning of each set. Steady floor and net defense and NU’s miscues allowed the Lady Falcons to keep NU within a point and even forcing an 11-all tie in the opening frame. But the Lady Bulldogs pulled away late thanks to late kills from Jaja Santiago and Jorelle Singh.
The second and third frame saw the Lady Bulldogs tweak their lineup.
Jaja Santiago sat out much of the second frame and saw her team drop to a 20-22 hole. The Lady Bulldogs eventually prevailed when Santiago was subbed back in the match to score three of NU’s last five points.
It was Jasmine Nabor’s turn to sit the third set. Substitute playmaker Laarnie Aberin struggled early in the frame but eventually got her groove. Four straight aces from Jaja Santiago gave the Lady Bulldogs the lead permanently, 19-16, as NU cruised to the win from there.
“Maganda naman ang nilaro nila kaso may mga hinahanap pa ako sa kanila na mga adjustment na mga hindi pa nila nagagawa. Pero overall, maganda ang nilaro, nasobrahan lang sa relax kapag nagsisimula ng mga set,” said NU head coach Roger Gorayeb.
Santiago managed 15 points on seven aces, five attacks, and three blocks to lead her team. Veteran open hitter Aiko Urdas added eight points.
NU (3-0) takes on a their biggest test of the season in defending champs De La Salle University Lady Spikers (2-0) next Sunday at the FilOil Flying V Centre.
Jema Galanza led the Lady Falcons with 10 points while Bernadette Flora added eight.
The Lady Falcons (0-3) try to arrest their skid on Saturday also at the FilOil Flying V Centre against last season’s runners-up Ateneo de Manila University Eagles (1-1).
The Scores
NU (3) – Santiago 15, Urdas 8, Singh 7, Paran 4, Sato 4, Nabor 3, Aberin 1, Doria 1, Doromal 1, Valdez (L)
Adamson (0) – Galanza 10, Flora 8, Momo 5, Dacoron 4, Caole 2, Mohammad 0, Wanta 0, Tempiatura (L)
