JAJA Santiago came in from a losing stand in an Asian club tournament to fire 25 hits and power National U past University of the Philippines, 21-25, 25-10, 27-25, 25-21, yesterday as the Lady Bulldogs clinched the first finals berth in the Shakey’s V-League Season 13 Collegiate Conference at the Philsports Arena in Pasig yesterday.
The 6-5 Santiago proved in top shape, hardly slowed down by the rigors of playing back-to-back games in one day, pumping in 19 kills, the last capping the Lady Bulldogs’ sweep of the Lady Maroons in their best-of-three Final Four series.
“I just wanted to help the team make it back to the finals,” said Santiago while stressing the need to improve on their teamwork to complete a back-to-back championship in the mid-season conference.
NU beat Ateneo in sudden death to rule this conference last year.
Santiago arrived in the game on time despite coming from Laguna but didn’t start. She then spearheaded the Lady Bulldogs’ fightback with a sweep of the next three sets. Santiago also came through with four blocks.
Veteran Jorelle Singh backed Santiago with 16 points, including 12 kills and three aces, while Aiko Urdas chipped in 14 points and Joy Doromal and Risa Sato combined for 15 hits.
The Lady Bulldogs, who held off the Lady Maroons, 25-23, 25-23, 23-25, 26-24, in the opener of their playoff, also pounced on their rivals’ poor service reception as they punched in 15 aces.
Diana Carlos and Nicole Tiamzon shot 14 points apiece for UP, which also drew 11 markers from Isa Molde.