MANILA, Philippines — Another gruelling five-setter, there was just different a victor.
National University, this time, survived Adamson, 20-25, 25-21, 24-26, 25-21, 15-12, to push the semifinals series to an expected down-the-wire game three in the 10th Shakey’s V-League First Conference at the Mall of Asia Arena.
In game one of the best-of-three series last Tuesday at the PhilSports Arena, the Lady Falcons rode on veteran Angela Benting’s classic performance to win in five sets.
This time, it was Dindin Santiago who bore the burden of leading the Lady Bulldogs to series-evening victory as he churned out 27 big points, including five on blocks and four on service aces.
NU started out stronger in the decisive set and buried the Lady Falcons to a 7-1 lead, before Santiago, and De Leon alternated in attack to keep the Lady Bulldogs in front.
The Lady Falcons, though, still managed to pull within 12-14 in the fifth set but Jaja Santiago, Dindin’s sister, powered one home to end the match.
Carmina Aganon added 19 points for NU, which recovered from 1-2 set deficit, while Myla Pablo and Jaja Santiago added 14 and 11, respectively.
Skipper Pau Soriano scored 20 points, while Sheila Pineda added 17 for the Lady Falcons, whose slow start in the fifth set keyed in their doom. Benting only had 13 after finished 28 in game one.