Lady Bulldogs trip TIP rivals

NATIONAL University refused to yield a set that might give an upset-conscious Technological Institute of the Philippines the confidence.

Quickly clipping any comeback attempts, the Lady Bulldogs turned back the Lady Engineers in straight sets, 25-17, 25-17, 25-18, to seize the solo Group A lead in the Shakey’s V-League Season 13 Collegiate Conference yesterday at Philsports Arena.

“It’s important for us to keep on winning,” said NU star Jaja Santiago after the defending champions scored a second straight victory.

Santiago tossed in 19 points to power the Lady Bulldogs past the Lady Engineers, who came into the match fresh from stunning Ateneo, 26-24,14-25, 25-21, 18-25, 15-12.

In the second match, University of the Philippines ripped St. Benilde, 25-20, 25-12, 25-17, to gain a share of the Group B lead at 2-0.

Diana Carlos dropped 12 points as the Lady Maroons kept the NCAA champion Lady Blazers winless.

Although the Lady Engineers looked ready to take down their opponent with a sizzling 10-4 start in the second frame, the Lady Bulldogs came rallying behind Santiago to steal it, 25-17, for a 2-0 set lead.

Risa Sato and Audrey Paran combined for 19 points as the Lady Bulldogs also impressively served 14 aces.

NU made it a day’s sweep as the Bulldogs also cruised to a 25-18, 25-20, 25-15 triumph over Philippine Merchant Marine School to claim a share of the Group A lead in the Spikers’ Turf Season Season 2 Collegiate Conference.

UP subdued National College of Business and Arts, 25-12, 27-25, 23-25, 25-27,15-13, to grab a share of the Group B lead.