NATIONAL University secured the first finals berth of the Shakey’s V-League Season 12 Collegiate Conference following a 20-25, 25-13, 25-21, 25-15 win over deposed champion Far Eastern University at The Arena in San Juan on Sunday.
Myla Pablo unloaded 23 points for the Lady Bulldogs, while Jaja Santiago added 17, Roselyn Doria chipped in 11, and Jorelle Singh had 10 as NU completed a sweep of the best-of-three semifinals.
FEU guest player Jovelyn Gonzaga and mainstay Mary Palma finished with 11 markers apiece, while Toni Basas added 10.
NU coach Roger Gorayeb admitted he expected FEU to bounce back after losing Game One Saturday, 15-25, 22-25, 27-25, 23-25.
“Expected ko naman ‘yun na malakas ang laro (ng FEU) sa first set. Pero kung oobserbahan mo lahat ng laro ng volleyball basta first set, kahit sabihin mong pinakamahinang team na ‘yan, yung first set laban ng laban ang mga yan,” said Gorayeb.“Yun ang ayaw kong mangyari sa laro namin kanina buti naka-recover.”
“Siyempre ang FEU mabigat ang loob ng mga ‘yan kasi natalo sila kahapon,” he added.
The veteran mentor stressed lack of preparation played a big role in FEU’s game.
“Siyempre wala silang time na maka-recover. Sasamantalahin na lang namin ‘yun, pero alam ko sinabi ko sa mga bata na sa first set lalaban ‘yan,” he said.
“But the moment na makaramdam sila na OK na kaming NU na naglalaro ng mahusay siyempore slowly bababa at bababa ang laro ng mga yan. After the second set bumaba na bumaba na ang laro nila pero grabe ang intensity nila sa first set.”
The Lady Tamaraws will face the semis series loser between Ateneo and University of Santo Tomas for third place.
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