NU nails V-L finals berth

NATIONAL University reached the finals of the Shakey’s V-League Season 12-Collegiate Conference even without its biggest star.

Sans top hitter Dindin Santiago-Manabat, the Lady Bulldogs overcame a shaky start to hammer out a 20-25, 25-13, 25-21, 25-15 win over Far Eastern U for a sweep of their best-of-three semifinal series at Filoil Flying V Arena in San Juan.

Myla Pablo stood at the forefront of NU’s assault, imposing herself at the net with 23 hits, four blocks and had seven of the Bulldogs’ 43 digs.

“We didn’t communicate well in the first set, but we managed to settle down and get the win,” said Pablo.

Jaja Santiago maximized her length on the floor and came up with 17 points while Aiko Urdas contributed 11 as they fended off the Lady Tams in the third set.

The Bulldogs missed Manabat, who played for the national team in a club tournament in Vietnam. She’ll be back in time for the championship either against Ateneo or University of Santo Tomas in league backed by Shakey’s, Accel, Mikasa and presented by PLDT Ultera.

Unbeaten throughout the tournament, the Lady Eagles absorbed the sting of defeat in 11 games after the Tigresses clipped their wings, 18-25, 25-16, 25-23, 25-22, to set up a deciding match on Wednesday.

EJ Laure had a fantastic outing with 13 attacks, one block and two service aces and got ample support from Carmela Tunay, Marivic Meneses and Pam Lastimosa as the Tigresses refused to abruptly end the conference.

“I just told the players to show some respect to themselves by playing their best,” said UST coach Kungfu Reyes. “They just refused to give up.”