Santiago powers NU past UP in UAAP women’s volleyball

MANILA, Philippines – National University bucked complacency in the third set to come away with a 25-16, 25-14, 25-18 straight-set win over University of the Philippines Saturday in the UAAP Season 75 women’s volleyball tournament at the Arena in San Juan.

The Lady Bulldogs trailed early and even had the Lady Maroons breathing down their necks, 15-16, after Dindin Santiago’s attempt went too long.

NU though, came into its senses just in time to pull away thanks to the efforts of Cai Nepomuceno, Myla Pablo and Santiago.

Santiago converted on a soft hit to start NU’s surge, Nepomuceno also got one to go before Pablo powered on through to give the Lady Bulldogs 22-18 cushion.

A miscommunication and a mishit doomed UP’s chances to comeback.

The six-foot-one Santiago tallied a game-high 17 points while Nepomuceno did most of his damage defensively with five blocks en route to 13 markers.

The Lady Bulldogs, who won despite committing 15 service errors in the third set alone, claimed solo fourth place at 4-3 with the Adamson Falcons just behind at 3-3.

UP dropped its sixth straight setback after winning its first game of the season.