IN VINES: NU beats Ateneo for V-League title, Pablo is Finals MVP

MANILA, Philippines – The NU Lady Bulldogs showed composure and played strong defense in game 3 of the finals to thwart the favored Ateneo Lady Eagles in straight sets, 25-21, 26-24, 25-19, to win the Shakey’s V-League 12 Collegiate Conference championship on Sunday, October 4 at the FilOil Flying V Arena in San Juan.

Myla Pablo was named Finals MVP as she tallied a game-high 15 points for NU, which won its second V-League title after claiming their first in the Season 10 First Conference.

The game was clearly NU’s even as Ateneo kept within striking distance for the most part with the Lady Bulldogs clamping down defensively both on the floor and at the net to stifle the Lady Eagles’ offensive weapons.

Even team captain and conference MVP Alyssa Valdez was shackled to just 14 points as he attacks have always been checked or covered by impressive libero Fatima General.

As the game wore on, and as Ateneo tried to claw back from a 9-2 and an 18-12 deficit in the third set, Valdez grew weary.

Her lift was no longer there and her spikes had no power. The back-to-back reigning UAAP MVP had to get extra creative and bleed for her points.

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

Dindin Manabat finished with 11 points including two blocks for NU. While Jaja Santiago and Jorelle Singh had 10 points apiece.

– Rappler.com