UAAP women’s volley: NU routs UST but coach wants better finishing

MANILA, Philippines — National University blasted University of Santo Tomas, 25-16, 25-20, 25-23, in the second game of the UAAP Season 76 women’s volleyball Wednesday double-header at the Arena in San Juan.

The Lady Bulldogs built early leads that the hapless Tigresses were unable to recover from as they, once again, asserted their sheer edge in height.

But coach Edjet Mabbayad was unhappy with NU’s lack of finishing kick as they allowed UST to come within 24-23 before putting an end to the match.

“They are able to execute our preparations but we lack the maturity in the end game,” said Mabbayad in Filipino. “That’s what we need to improve on.

The Lady Bulldogs took a 20-14 lead on a 9-3 run in the third set, but just as they were headed to the finish line, the Tigresses came alive one last time, but for naught.

“They always relax and give the opponent a chance and momentum, we need to lose that attitude,” Mabbayad added.

But the Lady Bulldogs had no other problems elsewhere as they dominated the Tigresses in almost every aspect, especially in block points, 11-2.

Sisters Jaja and Dindin Santiago made a formidable duo as they finished with 16 and 12 points, respectively, even as Carmin Aganon provided scoring oomph with 12.

NU’s hold of the second spot was fortified even further, building a two-game lead over third-running Ateneo (6-3) with the victory.

The Tigresses’ chances for run at the final four, meanwhile, are bleak after dropping 3-6 and they need a miraculous run here in the second round to make it.

As things stand, UST is at sixth place behind Far Eastern University and Adamson (4-4).

Jem Gutierrez led the Tigresses with 10 points, Carmela Tunay added nine while team’s best player Pam Lastimosa, who is suffering a mild ankle sprain, was held to eight points.