Dindin Santiago (facebook photo)
MANILA, Philippines — National University skipper Dindin Santiago vowed to bounce back after her forgetful performance in the V-League Finals opener.
Santiago, the newly minted season MVP, delivered her promise as the Lady Bulldogs returned the favor to Ateneo with their own straight-sets win Sunday night.
“Medyo napahiya ako kasi MVP ako tapos wala akong nagawa,” Santiago said of her futile five-point effort in Game 1 last Thursday.
“Parang na-down ako pero sabi ko kapag na-down ako, ako yung talo.”
The six-foot-two Santiago redeemed herself with 12 points, all on power hits, as well as providing her team stability on offense and defense.
“Siya na rin ang nagsabi na nung Game 1 ibang-iba yung laro niya. pinatunayan naman niya sa amin yung sinasabi niyang babawi siya this game,” said Santiago’s coach Edjet Mabbayad.
Myla Pablo also stepped up with a team-high 15 points after just scoring nine in Game 1.
“Nag-enjoy talaga siya ngayon. Yung [emotions] niya, yun yung talagang hinahanap namin sa kanya. Sabi ko nga sakanya ‘wag siyang mahihiya ipakita yun, hindi naman pagyayabang yun e. part of the game yun,” the soft-spoken Mabbayad added.