NU routs DLSU-D in straight sets in V-League quarterfinals
Jaja Santiago tallied 9 points to lead NU alongside sister Dindin Santiago-Manabat and Myla Pablo. File Photo by Czeasar Dancel/Rappler
MANILA, Philippines – National University's big 3 combined for 27 points to cruise past De La Salle University-Dasmariñas in straight sets, 25-17, 25-19, 25-17, in the quarterfinals of the Shakey's V-League 12 Collegiate Conference on Saturday, August 15, in San Juan.
The Lady Bulldogs' Twin Tower combo of Dindin Santiago-Manabat and Jaja Santiago, together with veteran spiker Myla Pablo, tallied 9 points each for the team's first victory in the round-robin quarters at the FilOil Flying V Arena.
Pablo, who will play her final year this coming UAAP season, scored the Lady Bulldogs' last two points after they broke free from a 12-all deadlock in the third set, and raced to the win.
"There's much to improve on but at least we are still where we want to be," comebacking head coach Roger Gorayeb said in Filipino.
Gorayeb returned to the sidelines for NU following national team duties and with the exit of his other team San Sebastian College-Recoletos.
"Defensive patterns, blocking and reception" are just some of the things the Lady Bulldogs must work on according to Gorayeb.
He also touched on the need to increase the team's confidence level and lessen tentative moves, especially heading into the UAAP where they won't have the luxury of having guest player Manabat to rely on.
But Gorayeb praised the strides his team has taken over the course of the offseason, especially with sophomore open hitter Jorelle Singh, who contributed 8 points in the match.
"Jorelle improved greatly compared to how she played in the past," said Gorayeb. "She's a very reliable open spiker now though she can't seem to lose weight."
Gorayeb bared the team plans to have her checked by an endocrinologist, explaining that Singh may have hormonal problems as she keeps gaining weight despite minimal food intake.
For now, however, NU had little trouble fending off DLSU-D, who posted 30 errors, many unforced and in executions.
Iumi Yongco and Mariebeth Lara topscored for the Lady Patriots with 7 points apiece.
DLSU-D faces Far Eastern University next on Sunday, August 23. While NU clashes with College of St. Benilde in the same day's opener. – Rappler.com
