NU splurges for Valentine’s Day, mauls FEU for solo third

MANILA, Philippines—Things are coming up roses this Valentine’s Day for the National University Lady Bulldogs as they made quick work of the Far Eastern University Lady Tamaraws, 3-0, 25-21, 25-20, 25-23, in their second round matchup of the UAAP Season 77 Volleyball Tournament Saturday evening at the Arena in San Juan City.

NU now has a grip for the third seed as they notch the .500 mark with a 6-6 record while FEU drops to seventh with a 4-8 record.

It was a back-and-forth affair for NU and FEU until the Lady Bulldogs took the matchpoint courtesy of Jorelle Singh’s service ace, 24-23.

Myla Pablo then found Cupid’s aim with a well-placed attack that found the middle of the FEU defense.

NU head coach Roger Gorayeb said he was satisfied with the level of play of his team as the Lady Bulldogs were finally getting his system.

“Before it was all Jaja (Santiago) and the offense basically went through her,” Gorayeb said. “Now we have some transition and others are getting into the act.”

“What I want is for the setter to control our tempo, not the spiker. That’s like high school volleyball.”

From a 17-17 stalemate, FEU’s biggest lead in the final set was 20-18.

Gorayeb said that his target was the number three spot, as defending champions Ateneo and last year’s finalist De La Salle clinched the top two spots.

NU can clinch at least playoff spot if they can win just a single match in their remaining two matches.

Santiago led NU with 18 points while Rizza Mandapat added 13.

Myla Pablo and Singh each had 10 points to pitch for the Lady Bulldogs.

Toni Rose Basas led FEU with 15 points.