NU trounces FEU, advances to V League Finals

MANILA, Philippines -- National University bucked a sluggish start before it blew away Far Eastern U, 20-25, 25-13, 25-21, 25-16, Sunday to clinch the first finals berth in the Shakey's V-League Season 12-Collegiate Conference at The Arena in San Juan City.

Power-hitting Myla Pablo unleashed a match-best 23 hits including 17 on kills and four on blocks while Jaja Santiago scattered 17 to help NU complete a two-game sweep of their series.

NU took the opener, 25-15, 25-22, 25-27, 25-23, Saturday to gain an early upperhand.

Except for its first set meltdown, NU never gave its foe a chance and dominated the final three sets to dethrone last year's champion.

"We expected them to really play hard in the first set and it made it easier for them that we played flat," said NU coach Roger Gorayeb in Filipino. "Good thing we recovered after it while they started to play bad after losing the second set."

Gorayeb was also all-praises on Pablo.

"She's playing with a lot of confidence right now. Her stint in the national team really helped her a lot," he said.

Powered by guest player Jovelyn Gonzaga, who finished with 11 hits, the Lady Tams played inspired ball and took the opening set.

It turned out FEU's last show of force as Pablo and Santiago took charge from there by asserting themselves both on offense and defense.