With everything hanging in the balance, National University, as always, counted on Jaja Santiago to tilt the scale in its favor.
The 6-foot-6 Santiago unloaded five of her 19 points late in the fourth set as NU drubbed University of Santo Tomas, 25-19, 14-25, 25-19, 28-26, to remain unbeaten in the UAAP women’s volleyball at Filoil Flying V Centre in San Juan.
The 22-year-old Santiago, veteran of many international battles even before she finishes college, provided the ballast for the Lady Bulldogs who improved to 5-0.
The Tigresses, through heavy hitter Cherry Rondina’s 25 points, led 12-7 in the fourth only to see the Lady Bulldogs bite their way up to within two match points.
That’s when Santiago and Rondina figured in a shootout that eventually went NU’s way.
UST fell to 2-3.
Earlier, Ateneo sustained its intensity to score a fourth straight win, beating University of the Philippines, 25-20, 25-22, 28-26, to raise its mark to 4-2.
More than anything, the win boosted the Lady Eagles’ morale going into this Saturday’s blockbuster match against archrivals and defending champion La Salle Lady Spikers.
“We still have enough time to prepare and scout,” said Ateneo setter Deanna Wong, who tossed 33 sets. “We just take it as challenge and we all need to work as a team.”