MANILA, Philippines — National University sought history and for the first time the Lady Bulldogs were crowned as V-League champions Sunday.
Veteran Rubie de Leon and rising star Dindin Santiago provided stability on both ends as NU outlasted Ateneo, 25-23, 25-20, 17-25, 26-24, in the final game of their best-of-three title series of the Shakey’s V-League Season 10 First Conference at the packed-to-the-rafters PhilSports Arena in Pasig City.
De Leon, who was named the Finals MVP, finished with 13 points and 19 excellent sets.
“Nakakatuwa yung panalo, unang-una nagpapasalamat kami sa itaas. Pinakita niya (de Leon) na beterano siya,” said the soft-spoken NU coach Edjet Mabbayad.
The Lady Eagles were primed to force a deciding fifth set after they moved to set point, 24-22, after Santiago’s attempt went way out.
But that turned out to be Ateneo’s final point as NU chalked up the series’ final three points with de Leon scoring on a long tap before Santiago rose and delivered a kill from the middle over defenders Fille Cainglet and Marge Tejada to set up a frenzied celebration.