V-league: NU downs UST, takes Game 1 of semis

MANILA, Philippines — Defending champion National University downed hard-fighting University of Santo Tomas in four sets, 25-20, 25-23, 22-25, 25-22, to take Game 1 of their semifinals series in the Shakey’s V-League Season 11 First Conference Sunday at the Filoil Flying V Arena in San Juan.

The Lady Bulldogs rose from a 13-17 deficit thanks to their wall-like net defense anchored by the six-foot-four Jaja Santiago and Rizza Jane Mandapat.

“We relaxed in the third set. They thought it will be over after we led. Fortunately we were able to come back in the fourth set,” said NU coach Ariel dela Cruz in Filipino.

Santiago denied two crucial attempts by the Tigresses– the first from Chloe Cortez and the last from Pam Lastimosa — while Mandapat’s block on phenom EJ Laure sealed the Lady Bulldogs’ win.

Santiago finished with 14 points built on five blocks while older sister Dindin registered 19 points for NU, which will shoot for a semis sweep of UST on Tuesday also at the Arena.

“We’re really expecting that we will win [the game] considering we beat them back in the elimination round,” added dela Cruz.

Pam Lastimosa posted a game-high 20 points while the 16-year-old Laure added 16 for UST.

Mandapat, who stepped up after key contributor Aiko Urdas hurt her left knee early in the third set, contributed six points.

The Tigresses have now lost for the second straight game after going on a five-game winning streak.

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