Jaja Santiago and Jasmine Nabor – Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
When Jasmine Nabor matched up against one of the best setters in the UAAP, the lass from National University decided to just mind her own business.
Nabor had two-time UAAP champion Jia Morado in her sights and in their first meeting this Season 79, it was the Lady Bulldog who would go out on top.
Not only did NU trump Ateneo in four sets, 25-17, 25-13, 19-25, 29-27, but Nabor produced better numbers than Morado.
Nabor finished with eight points, more than NU attackers Aiko Urdas and Roma Doromal, while Morado had four.
“I’m just happy that I had the better game, but I am not focused on my matchup against Jia,” said Nabor Wednesday at San Juan Arena. “What I want is that we improve, and win, as a team.”
Morado’s accolades as a setter is still miles ahead of Nabor’s with the Lady Eagle winning the Best Setter awards in three separate tournaments—the UAAP, Shakey’s V-League, and the 2015 ASEAN University Games.
Nabor, though, tacked on a better setting game than Morado as she tallied a slim 43-40 advantage in the excellent set category.
“Of course Jia’s multiple Best Setter awards were a motivation for me, and for now I saw that I was able to get into her level,” said Nabor.