An early setback could not stop National University in putting down University of the Philippines 23-25, 25-17, 25-21, 25-18 Sunday in the Shakey’s V-League Collegiate Conference at San Juan Arena.
Guest player Dindin Santiago-Manabat owned the Lady Fighting Maroons with a down-the-line kill that gave the Lady Bulldogs the match point and a quick service ace to seal their opening game.
Assistant coach Edjet Mabbayad said “Ate Dindin’s” presence alone makes his team’s composure better.
“Dindin is their ‘ate,'” Mabbayad said. “When they see their ‘ate’ fighting hard it gives them the confidence they want to play good for their ‘ate.'”
NU lost the first set, 23-25, after a spirited UP took advantage of the Lady Bulldogs’ in-game adjustments.
Then the Lady Bulldogs went back to winning form in the next three sets as they exploited the absence of the resting Nicole Tiamzon and the injured Kathy Bersola.
“They were following the tempo of UP and I told them they should not do that and play with a hundred percent the next three sets,” Mabbayad said.
Santiago-Manabat led NU with 24 points while Myla Pablo added 18.
Jaja Santiago, the younger sister of Santiago-Manabat, had 15.
Diana Carlos led UP with 13 points in their opening game loss.
For more collegiate sports updates, visit INQUIRER Varsity.