National University made quick work of De La Salle University-Dasmariñas, 25-17, 25-19, 25-17, to start the quarterfinals of the Shakey’s V-League Collegiate Conference Saturday at San Juan Arena.
Myla Pablo capped the Lady Bulldogs’ rabid 16-7 run to seal NU’s 3-1 win-loss record.
V-League accumulates the win-loss records of the eight advancing teams from the group stages to their quarterfinals cards.
Lady Bullogs head coach Roger Gorayeb praised his coaching staff for handling the team while he focused on the Philippine national team that played in an invitational tournament in Vietnam.
“Edjet (Mabbayad) did a great job with this team, he and the whole coaching staff were amazing,” Gorayeb said.
Gorayeb joked he was hesitant to take over the team after what his staff did.
NU found itself in a tight spot early in the third set when the Lady Patriots held a slim 10-9 lead but errors from La Salle-Dasmariñas allowed the Lady Bulldogs to mount the run.
Pablo gave the Lady Bulldogs the 24-16 match point with an attack than went through the Lady Patriots’ block.
Gorayeb said to maintain the momentum the Lady Bulldogs have, they have to improve on the several aspects most especially on defense.
“They have to work on their movements, the patterns, and the floor defense,” Gorayeb said. “And their confidence level, I can see that their confidence level is not that high.”
NU’s trio of Pablo, Dindin Santiago-Manabat, and Jaja Santiago each had nine points while Jorelle Singh had eight.
Iumi Yongco and Mariebeth Lara led the 1-3 Lady Patriots with seven points apiece. IDL