Returning Dindin focused on leading NU to V-League title

NU’s Dindin Santiago-Manabat felt her presence gave the younger players added confidence and motivation to beat Ateneo. Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

National University needed every bit of Dindin Santiago-Manabat to live another day in the Shakey’s V-League Collegiate Conference Finals against Ateneo.

Manabat returned just in time from an Asian tilt in Vietnam and she reminded the Lady Bulldogs what they missed in Game 1, giving the team a much-needed boost in a do-or-die Game 2 on Sunday to turn the complexion of the championship series around.

“Pumped up? Probably. I want my team to become the champions,” said Manabat after NU forced a deciding Game 3 scheduled next Sunday at Filoil Flying V Arena in San Juan.

Manabat finished with 12 points to key in the Lady Bulldogs’ 25-22, 25-17, 25-17 shutout to postpone the Lady Eagles’ planned celebration.

Fittingly, it was Manabat who sealed the deal for NU on an attack from the back row.

Manabat said her return gave her younger players on the team confidence and added motivation to pull through.

“Advantage is the younger ones are happy seeing their ‘ate’ (older sister) is back teaching them and advising them,” she said.