Lady Bulldogs catch Lady Maroons at 3rd spot

MANILA, Philippines -- National University outclassed University of the East, 25-15, 25-19, 25-15, Saturday to join University of the Philippines at third place while boosting its Final Four bid in the 77th UAAP women's volleyball tournament at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum.

Jaja Santiago came through with a dominating performance with a match-best 14 hits, 10 on kills and four on blocks, to help propel the Lady Bulldogs to a share of No. 3 with the Lady Maroons on 5-6 (win-loss) record.

The 6-6 Santiago got the needed support from the power-hitting Myla Pablo, who had 12 she highlighted with 11 spikes.

NU coach Roger Gorayeb, however, was a little particular on the slow but gradual improvement of his setter Jocelyn Soliven, who set up Santiago and Pablo well with 17 excellent sets.

"She's starting to come her own. Give her more time, she'll be stronger," said Gorayeb in Filipino referring to Soliven, who jumped from the bench to the starting line up since the fiery coach took over from Ariel dela Cruz last month.

NU though will have its hands full as it clashes with Far Eastern University next week, Adamson on Feb. 18 and UP on Feb. 22 with hopes of winning it all to remain in the semifinal race.
Interestingly, the Lady Tams (4-7), the Lady Falcons (4-6) and the Lady Maroons (5-6) are fighting for Final Four lives themselves.

"We just have to be prepared mentally and physically because our last three games are tough," said Gorayeb.

UE, led by Angelica Dacaymat's 11, fell to its 11th straight defeat.