Smart could lose star in series’ 2nd game

As if losing Game 1 of the best-of-three championship series to an undefeated powerhouse is not enough, Smart faces the prospect of losing a top gun, too.

The Net Spikers could lose lanky star and National University mainstay Dindin Santiago when it plays Cagayan Valley in Game 2 of the Shakey’s V-League Open Conference championship at Filoil Flying V Arena on Sunday.

“I’m not really sure because I’ve heard NU is leaving on Monday for the University Games in Bacolod City,” said Smart coach Roger Gorayeb yesterday.

The NU management allowed its prized spiker to beef up Smart-Maynilad’s frontline rotation in the ongoing Shakey’s V-League finals. But with the Lady Bulldogs set to leave for the UniGames Monday, Santiago’s availability for Smart is in question.

Santiago helped key the team’s win over Army in a sudden death of their Final Four duel. However, against a team that is unbeaten in 15 games, Santiago could not do the same for Smart during the series opener last Tuesday.

Gorayeb said that if the 6-foot-1 Santiago, who steered NU to the championship in the Shakey’s V-League First Conference last May where she also bagged the MVP crown, would be allowed to play in Game 2, he’s certain that she would no longer be available if they manage to force a sudden death set Oct. 27

“If Dindin will be allowed to play in Game Two, we’ll be happy because I know she will not make it in Game Three, in case we manage to make it that far,” said Gorayeb.

Cagayan squandered a two-set lead and leaned on Aiza Maizo’s defensive gems in the decider to hack out a 26-24, 25-11, 23-25, 11-25, 15-12 win in Game One.

With the Rising Suns on the attack after snatching a 13-12 lead in the fifth set, Maizo came through with back-to-back blocks on Alyssa Valdez to seal the victory and keep Cagayan’s winning streak intact.

Gorayeb also said Valdez is okay after hurting her neck and right shoulder in a collision with teammate Maru Banaticla in the third set of their Game One duel.

“She’s okay, she is available in Game Two,” said Gorayeb of the power-hitting Valdez.