V-League: NU seals Final Four spot with win over UP

Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

Defending champion National University booked the first semifinals seat after beating University of the Philippines, 23-25, 25-19, 26-24, 25-19, in the Shakey’s V-League Season 13 Collegiate Conference Monday at Philsports Arena in Pasig City.

“Malaking bagay sa amin yun. Pandagdag na rin ng morale, maganda na rin para maging positive ang mga bata,” said NU head coach Edjet Mabbayad as the Lady Bulldogs swept all of their three matches in the quarterfinals.

Jaja Santiago showed the way with 21 points, 18 coming from hits, while Aiko Urdas uncorked 20 markers, 16 from kills, two service aces, and a block to lead NU. Risa Sato and Jorelle Singh also had their bright moments with 13 and 11 points, respectively.

The Lady Bulldogs opened the game on a 7-1 start before allowing the Lady Maroons to climb back after committing 12 unforced errors to drop the first set.

“Ang laki ng lamang namin pero di namin na-sustain. In the next sets, naging aware naman sila doon. Kahit paano, bumaba ng konti yung mga service errors pero malaking bagay pa rin sa amin na maibaba pa namin yun,” said Mabbayad, as NU would go on and take the next three sets to improve its record to 4-1.

UP, meanwhile, dropped to 2-2 and will have to beat San Sebastian on Wednesday to stay in contention for a Final Four spot.

Diana Carlos paced the Lady Maroons with 12 points, all of which coming from attacks, while Kathy Bersola scored 11.