NU, Adamson dispute last finals berth

Game today (The Arena, San Juan)

4 p.m. – National U vs Adamson

MANILA, Philippines - If the first two matches were to be gauged, expect another thriller of a five-setter as National University and Adamson dispute the other championship berth in sudden death in the Shakey’s V-League Season 10 First Conference in San Juan today.

The Lady Falcons came from behind to nip the Lady Bulldogs, 22-25, 25-18, 25-19, 22-25, 15-13, in the opener of their best-of-three Final Four duel last May 14 but the latter struck back with a 20-25, 25-21 24-26, 25-21, 15-12 decision two days later to set the stage for a rubber match for the right to face the Ateneo Lady Eagles in the finals.

Gametime is at 4 p.m. back at the league’s home at The Arena with odds just about even between two teams itching to stop the Lady Eagles’ crack at a third straight championship in the season opening of the league sponsored by Shakey’s.

But on paper, NU seems to enjoy a slight edge with five of its mainstays lording it over in spikes (Myla Pablo), serves (Dindin Santiago), digs and receives (Jennylyn Reyes) and sets (Rubie de Leon).

As a team, the Lady Bulldogs also lead in spikes with a 36.74 percent succession with the Falcons way behind at sixth with a 30.79 percent norm. NU is also top in blocks with an average of 2.3 per set with Adamson just behind with two. It  paces the receiving department with 25.17 percent efficiency with the Falcons at fourth with 18.67 percent.

But in sudden deaths, records are often set aside. The San Marcelino-based squad is expected to pour it all out in a no-tomorrow match to offset whatever edge NU has in its arsenal.

Angela Benting, who rattled off the last three points to snatch the Game One win for Adamson, was practically stopped by the tough NU net defense in the second game as she was held to just 13 hits after exploding for 28 the first time out.

“In Game One, our blockers were a little far apart that’s why Benting was able to score much. But in Game Two, we just kept our blockers close and we successfully stopped her (Benting),” said NU mentor Edjet Mabbayad.

In Game 2, the Lady Bulldogs came away with an impressive 16-block effort as against Adamson’s measly two with the vaunted sister tandem of Dindin and Jaja Santiago combining for eight. They are again expected to use their height and reach advantage to the hilt, both in offense and defense, along with Pablo, Reyes, De Leon, Aiko Urdas and Carmina Aganon, who unloaded 19 hits in Game 2, as the Bulldogs try to nail a first-ever championship appearance in the league backed by Mikasa and Accel.

“The team’s inexperience shows in some stretches but I always tell them to be confident and just play our game,” said Mabbayad.

Adamson, a two-time champion, is tipped to use its experience and a big fighting heart with Benting raring to strike back along with Pau Soriano, Shiela Pineda, Princess Listana, Mylene Paat, Faye Guevarra and setter May Macatuno.