NU Lady Bulldogs sweep Ateneo Lady Eagles to claim V-League title

MANILA, Philippines (UPDATED) — The NU Lady Bulldogs showed their mastery over the erstwhile dominant Ateneo Lady Eagles in game 3 of the finals, 25-21, 26-24, 25-19 to become champions of the Shakey’s V-League 12 Collegiate Conference on Sunday, October 4 at the FilOil Flying V Arena in San Juan. 

National University came back from a 1-0 series deficit and swept Ateneo de Manila University in the last two games to earn the title. 

“I’m happy as a coach I was able to lead NU to a V-League title and I’m also happy that Ateneo is here, they were my former team after all,” said multi-titled head coach Roger Gorayeb in Filipino. 

“I told them to dedicate this game to themselves for all their efforts. We gave the school much by being here in the finals already. Nobody can take this day from them. This game is for them.” 

Graduating open hitter Myla Pablo connected on 13 attacks and a service ace for a game-high 15 points as she earned her first career Finals MVP honors.

“Myla is quiet, she always seems like she’s deep in thought so I always talk to her and guide her,” Gorayeb said of Pablo. “I just try to give her confidence and I told her my gut feel is if we win in the finals, she will be MVP. It’s about time she get the award.” 

Guest player Dindin Manabat provided maturity, experience and composure amid a strong Ateneo fightback with key hits as she finished with 11 points including two blocks. 

Jaja Santiago and Jorelle Singh had 10 points apiece. Both will spearhead the Lady Bulldogs’ UAAP Season 78 campaign. 

NU, which now has two V-League titles, had Ateneo’s number since game two after they lost straight sets in the series opener. Their defense checked all of Ateneo’s attackers including conference MVP Alyssa Valdez, who had to work thrice as hard for her points.  

Ultimately, exhaustion got the best of the back-to-back UAAP MVP as she tried to tow the Lady Eagles back from a 9-2 third set deficit. Ateneo knotted the count at 10 but Manabat blocked Jhoanna Maraguinot and Santiago scored on a gimme to make it a 12-10 NU lead once more.

The Lady Bulldogs pulled away after that, 19-15, and cruised to the title.

Valdez posted 14 points and Bea De Leon was the only other player in double figures for Ateneo with 10 markers including 3 blocks. 

The Lady Eagles dominated the entire conference and rode a 10-game winning streak that was snapped by the UST Tigresses in the semifinals.  

After she was announced as Finals MVP, the 22-year old Pablo, who was named Best Attacker last UAAP season, hugged Gorayeb immediately and did not let him go as she thanked him for giving her confidence in herself. 

“He serves as my father on the court and during training and he always tells me to listen to him and I will have my time,” Pablo said in Filipino.

“We’re very happy to win this championship. We didn’t expect this.”

Pablo could end up as captain of the Lady Bulldogs this coming season, and she’s ready to take on the challenge. 

“I think I’m ready because it’s my last playing year and I need to toughen up to carry this team,” she said. — Rappler.com