NATIONAL University blew a commanding lead but showed steely nerves in the endgame and came out winners in a thrilling five-set showdown with University of the Philippines on Sunday in the UAAP women’s volleyball tournament at the Mall of Asia Arena.
The Lady Bulldogs squandered a two-set lead but emerged winners, 25-23, 25-17, 22-25, 18-25, 15-12, to end a three-match slide.
Jaja Santiago came up with a block on Nicole Tiamzon before Sato again fired a service ace to seal the win.
Santiago led the attack for NU with 18 points, Jorelle Singh had 15 points and Sato scored 12.
“Winning this game medyo babalik sila sa right senses nila, mabalik ang tiwala nila,” said NU coach Roger Gorayeb.
“‘Yun ang iniiwasan ko sa kanila pag nalalamangan nadidistract na sila, nakalampas na kami sa ganung era,” he added.
UP looked set to complete a fightback, taking a 10-6 lead in the fifth. But the Lady Bulldogs fought to tie the match at 12 and a Risa Sato service ace put NU ahead.
Jaja Santiago came up with a block on Nicole Tiamzon before Sato again fired a service ace to seal the win.
“Ang ganda na ng simula namin ngayon, ’yung dalawang sets. Nagdrop lang pero noong nagdadrop na nakikita ko naman ‘yung intensity nila hindi naman nawala,” said Gorayeb.
Marian Buitre came up with 20 points, Diana Carlos scored 18 and Nicole Tiamzon had 15 points.
UP, Far Eastern University, University of Santo Tomas and NU are in a four-way tie for third spot at 4-3.
UP libero Princess Gaiser made an early exit after injuring her left knee.