NATIONAL University beat league-leader Ateneo for the second time this season, 17-25, 25-23, 22-25, 25-21, 15-13, on Wednesday in the UAAP women’s volleyball tournament on Wednesday at The Arena in San Juan.
The Lady Bulldogs put an end to the Lady Eagles' eight-game win streak, improving their win-loss record to 7-4 for solo third spot leading to the final stretch of the two-round eliminations.
The team also dealt Ateneo its two losses this season. The Lady Eagles remained on top with a 9-2 win-loss record, half a game ahead of defending champion La Salle which has a match in hand (8-2).
“Malaking bagay sa amin ’yan sa ngayon,” said NU coach Roger Gorayeb. “Talagang gusto namin ’yun mangyari eh, kinapos kami eh kaya pinipilit naming maka-accumulate ng panalo para maka third o fourth kahit ano lang basta makapasok sa top four bahala na si Batman doon sa dulo.”
Jaja Santiago had 25 points from 16 kills, eight of the Lady Bulldogs’ 13 blocks and one service ace.
Aiko Urdas scored 12 and Jorelle Singh added 11 as Gorayeb barely again used his libero Gayle Valdez in the two-hour and six-minute match.
“Oo paninindigan ko talaga, dalawang araw kaming nag-ensayo sort of sinuspinde ko sila, hindi kayo magbabago walang mangyayari sa inyo,” said Gorayeb.
Jho Maraguinot scored 18 points, Kat Tolentino added 17, Bea de Leon added 13 points and Michelle Morente chipped in 12 for the Lady Eagles.