NU beats UST behind Dindin Santiago

MANILA, Philippines—National University leaned on a balanced attack to beat University of Santo Tomas, 25-16, 25-23, 23-25, 25-13, Wednesday in the UAAP Season 75 women’s volleyball tournament at the FilOil Flying V Arena in San Juan city.

Dindin Santiago powered the Lady Bulldogs with 24 points.

“For me inapply nila yung pina-practice naming floor defense. Kahit papaano lumabas sa game. Naging effective lahat,” said NU coach Francis Vicente.

“As always naman yung laro ni Dindin laging ganon—yung attitude na all-out. She did well as a leader,” Vicente said of her six-foot-one spiker.

The Golden Tigresses, fresh off a thrilling five-set win over defending champion De La Salle last Sunday, were able to extend the match to a fourth set.

The Lady Bulldogs, though, raced to an early 8-1 lead and never looked back.

Santiago, who played with UST in her rookie year before serving a two-year residency to suit up for NU, scored three straight points, two on aces to pad on to the Lady Bulldogs’ lead to 13, 21-7.

Judy Caballejo, who had 22 points the last time out, was held to 10 markers.

NU rebounded from a tough loss to Adamson in its previous game.

“It’s a learning process. We changed after that loss.”