V-League: NU, Ateneo tossers in big starts

MANILA, Philippines — Jaja Santiago picked up from where her star sister left off as National University clipped University of the Philippines, 18-25, 25-19, 25-22, 25-23, at the start of the Shakey’s V-League Season 11 Open Conference Sunday at Filoil Flying V Arena in San Juan.

Santiago unloaded a game-high 21 points to power the Lady Bulldogs in their first game minus her older sister and last conference’s MVP Dindin Santiago.

The towering Santiago sisters, both standing over six feet, parted ways this conference as PLDT Home Telpad tapped Dindin to lead its maiden campaign.

In the second game, Ateneo overwhelmed Philippine National Police in straight sets, 25-15, 25-12, 25-21.

Ateneo ace Alyssa Valdez, who turned 21 Sunday, again took charge by firing all but one of her 19 points off attacks, while Michelle Morente added 13 points.

The Lady Bulldogs were expected to struggle without Santiago, who towed them to the championship last year and to another finals stint last conference.

But Jaja showed that she can be effective on her own.

Myla Pablo added 14 points, while new team captain Desiree Dadang and Jorelle Singh chipped in 10 points each to help the Lady Bulldogs come back from a set down.

“Everyone contributed,” said NU coach Ariel de la Cruz.

The Lady Eagles overpowered the Lady Patrollers, 45-27, in attacks. Only Frances Molina finished in double figures for the Lady Patrollers with 12 points.

The Lady Maroons got off to an impressive start but couldn’t sustain their fiery form even with Katherine Bersola and Nicole Tiamzon fueling UP’s fightback in the final two sets. Bersola paced the Lady Maroons with 17 points.