NU, Adamson try to seal Shakey’s V-League title clash

MANILA, Philippines — National University and Adamson try to repeat over their respective semifinal opponents today and arrange a championship showdown in the Shakey’s V-League Season 11 First Conference at Filoil Flying V Arena in San Juan.

The Lady Bulldogs, who look poised to defend their crown with the statuesque Santiago sisters, shoot for the first title berth against the University of Santo Tomas Tigresses in Game 2 of their best-of-three series at 2 p.m.

Boosted by a dramatic Game 1 win, the Lady Falcons also vie to wrap up their own duel against the Far Eastern University Lady Tamaraws at 4 p.m.

“We still lack killer instinct,” NU coach Ariel dela Cruz said after the Lady Bulldogs took Game 1 in four sets versus the Tigresses, 25-20, 25-23, 22-25, 25-22, last Sunday.

“We relaxed [in the third set]. Any team that’s given a chance to come back, will come back.”

Dindin and Jaja Santiago combined for 33 points to power the Lady Bulldogs, while Rizza Mandapat also stepped up in the fourth set to help seal the win.

“They’re the heart and soul of this team,” Dela Cruz said of the star sisters, who will again try to neutralize UST’s power hitters led by ace rookie Ennajie Laure.

The Lady Falcons rose from two sets down against the Lady Tamaraws, 19-25, 22-25, 26-24, 25-15, 15-12, behind the big games of Shiela Pineda and Thai player Pacharee Sangmuang.

Adamson coach Sherwin Meneses said his Lady Falcons, who surprisingly claimed the last semifinal berth over favored teams Ateneo and Davao, should just focus on their game plan.

“I told them not to feel pressured,” said Meneses. “I want them to play their game because we got here without pressure. So we just have to give our best.”

Pineda and Sangmuang teamed up for 43 points to tow the Lady Falcons past the Lady Tamaraws, who also drew big numbers from reinforcements Jovelyn Gonzaga and Rachel Daquis in the opener.