MANILA, Philippines – Reigning champions National University wasted no time in dispatching University of Perpetual Help to start their title defense with a bang in the Shakey’s V-League Season 11 First Conference on Sunday, March 23 at the Filoil Flying V Arena in San Juan.
The Lady Bulldogs didn’t need to bring their A-games as the Lady Altas turned in an erratic showing on floor coverage, bowing down in straight sets, 25-20, 25-14, 25-15.
Successive services by Dindin Santiago in the second set broke the match wide open as National U took an 8-1 advantage. Perpetual Help tried to inch closer at 10-13 but never got a taste of the lead as their errors eventually allowed the Lady Bulldogs to take the second set easily, 25-14.
The sister-tandem of Dindin and Jaja Santiago kept pounding the hapless Altas in the third set while also getting help from spiker Myla Pablo to book their first win in Group B action.
Dindin Santiago topscored with 12 points for the Lady Bulldogs. NU scored on 9 block points compared to just 1 for Perpetual Help, shutting down their offense.
NCAA Most Valuable Player Honey Royse Tubino, though scoring a quiet 16 points, struggled to find her rhythm.
Shakey’s V-League boasts their biggest tournament yet, featuring 12 teams from all over the archipelago. Teams are allowed to bring two guest players along with their regular lineups.
In Group A are Ateneo, Adamson, St. Louis, Southwestern U, Arellano University, and the College of St. Benilde while battling in Group B are reigning champs National University, NCAA three-peat champs University of Perpetual Help, San Sebastian, FEU, UST, and the Davao Lady Agilas.
Set scores: 25-20, 25-14, 25-15.
– Rappler.com
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