National U eyes stronger performance vs Ateneo

When National University shoots for the early solo lead, team star Jaja Santiago knows it won’t get past Ateneo if the Lady Bulldogs come out gasping for air again in the UAAP Season 80 women’s volleyball tournament.

“We still need to work out so many things with coach Babes [Castillo] especially on our conditioning,” said Santiago in Filipino.

The Lady Bulldogs go for a 2-0 start versus the Lady Eagles at 4 p.m., right after University of Santo Tomas and University of the East vie for a first win at 2 p.m. at Filoil Flying V Centre in San Juan.

The Lady Bulldogs grounded Adamson on opening day, 25-15, 25-23, 16-25, 25-13, but looked spent by the third set.

“Our team performed well, but for me, I know that this isn’t still the best that we can play,” said Santiago.

Although Ateneo opened its campaign with a loss to Far Eastern University, 19-25, 25-21, 18-25, 25-20, 15-9, team captain Maddie Madayag thinks the experience will help the Lady Eagles.

“This was a learning experience for us because we knew what we still have things to improve and work on after this loss,” said Madayag. —BONG LOZADA, INQUIRER.NET