NU overcomes surprise challenge from UE in UAAP volleyball opener

Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

National University fended off a persistent University of the East side, 18-25, 25-20, 25-23, 25-13, at the start of the UAAP Season 79 women’s volleyball tournament Saturday at Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Aiko Urdas finished things off for the Lady Bulldogs, who are among the title favorites this year.

The Lady Bulldogs got off to a slow start and shot themselves in the foot with their sloppy play.

NU head coach Roger Gorayeb said the Lady Bulldogs should learn to recover from their early mistakes if ever they want to meet their goal of reaching the championship round.

“We cannot play like this if we want to go to the Finals,” said Gorayeb, whose team extended its reign over UE to eight games. “Everything is not an easy task.”

After committing 19 errors in the first set alone, the Lady Bulldogs cut down on their miscues, committing only eight the rest of the way.

Jaja Santiago led NU, which hasn’t lost to UE since Season 74, with 21 points while Jorelle Singh added a dozen.

Urdas and Risa Sato also finished in double figures for the Lady Bulldogs with 11 points apiece.

Shaya Adorador matched Santiago’s total of 21 points to pace UE while Mary Anne Mendrez and Judith Abil had 11 and 10 points, respectively.