Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
National University went straight atop the ladder of the UAAP Season 79 women’s volleyball tournament after overcoming Ateneo, 25-17, 25-13, 19-25, 29-27, Wednesday at San Juan Arena.
The Lady Bulldogs are the lone undefeated team early in the tournament with a 2-0 record while the Lady Eagles are at 1-1.
NU moved to match point at 24-23 but Bea De Leon tied things up in the ensuing play to start a string of deadlock until Jia Morado’s service error gave the Lady Bulldogs the 28-27 lead.
Jasmine Nabor then went airborne to deny Mich Morente and close the match out for NU.
Lady Bulldogs head coach Roger Gorayeb relished the opportunity to take an early 2-0 record as it also silenced his critics who have been barking at the team as early as their opener against University of the East.
“I’m happy for the kids. For those who’ve been saying not-so-great things about them, this win shuts them up,” said Gorayeb, whose team snapped a six-game losing streak against Ateneo. “It’s still too early to say such things.”
“Well, I’m thankful we won and we’re on the right path that we want to take.”
Jaja Santiago once again proved to be one reliable fellow for the Lady Bulldogs as she unloaded 26 points while Jorelle Singh added 16.
Risa Sato also finished with double figures for the Lady Bulldogs with 12 points.
De Leon had 14 points to lead Ateneo while Jhoana Maraguinot and Morente added 12 and 11 points, respectively.