NU-FEU crown duel gets going

MANILA, Philippines — Favored to defend its crown, National University puts its near-perfect run on the line against Far Eastern University at the start of the Shakey’s V-League Season 11 First Conference championship series Sunday.

But the Lady Bulldogs expect a tougher stand from the Lady Tamaraws, who are vying for a historic first crown, in Game 1 of the best-of-three Finals at 4 p.m. at Filoil Flying V Arena in San Juan.

“We have to be aggressive,” coach Ariel dela Cruz said of his Lady Bulldogs’ match with the Lady Tamaraws, who, with the addition of guest players Rachel Ann Daquis and Jovelyn Gonzaga, now look far from the scrambling team that barely made it to the quarterfinals.

“Defense will decide the series because FEU is solid when it comes to attacks,” the NU coach added.

The Lady Tamaraws also brace for the firepower of the towering Santiago sisters (Dindin and Jaja) who made life difficult at the net for many opponents.

“We have to find ways to limit NU’s attackers, including the Santiago sisters,” FEU coach Shaq delos Santos said of the 6-foot-2 Dindin and the 6-foot-4 Jaja.

The conference’s top individual performers will be awarded before the title match.

University of Santo Tomas and Adamson earlier start their best-of-three battle for third spot at 2 p.m. Aside from the sensational Santiago siblings, the Lady Bulldogs are banking on Myla Pablo, Carmin Aganon, Rizza Mandapat, libero Jen Reyes and setter Rubie de Leon.

But Delos Santos expects Daquis and Gonzaga to play a key factor in their series versus the streaking Lady Bulldogs, who swept their quarterfinal and semifinal opponents after losing only once in the eliminations.

“Our two guest players have been a very big help,” said Delos Santos. “We got them because our goal was to have leaders inside the court and to help the team handle the pressure.”

“We have to play solid and not commit too many mistakes against NU,” he added.