Lady Bulldogs aim to make UAAP finals

MANILA, Philippines – After topping the Shakey's V-League Season 12-Collegiate Conference, National University sets its sights on the 78th UAAP volleyball tournament in February next year hoping nothing less than a finals finish.

"I want NU to make it to the Finals in the UAAP this season. That's really my dream. That's my purpuse for NU in the UAAP," said NU coach Roger Gorayeb after the Lady Bulldogs' title-clinching 25-21, 26-24, 25-19 win over the Ateneo Lady Eagles last Sunday at The Arena in San Juan City.

Gorayeb said the Shakey's V-League experience helped his team mature and prepare for the UAAP cage wars although the will be entering the league without guest players Dindin Santiago-Manabat and Rubie de Leon.

"It's clear to everyone that we will not have Dindin and Rubie in the UAAP that's why I only took in Rubie late so that my other players, including my setter, can learn," said Gorayeb.

Gorayeb was referring to the youthful Rica Diolan, who will be thrust into the limelight as NU's starting setter.

"Rubie took her under her wing in a few weeks she was with us and I hope she (Diolan) can learn from her especially her decision-making," he said.

Myla Pablo, who outshone the more illustrious Alyssa Valdez of Ateneo to snatch the Finals MVP trophy, will be the spearhead of the Lady Bulldogs' ambitious campaign as she will be named team captain.

"I'm choosing between Myla and Jorelle (Singh) but I it's probably her (Pablo) I'll end up picking as my team captain," said Gorayeb.

Learning of the news, Pablo, a 22-year-old graduating Marketing student, said she's ready for the challenge.

"I'm ready," she said.

NU's UAAP team is also composed of Jaja Santiago, Aiko Urdas, Ivy Perez and liberos Fatima Bia General and Gayle Rose Valdez.