The National University Lady Bulldogs continued to struggle in reception but was still able to escape the University of the East Lady Warriors in four sets, 25-15, 25-21, 22-25, 25-21, to get their sixth win, March 19, Sunday at the FilOil Flying-V Arena in San Juan.
It seemed like it was a repeat of their first round matchup with NU still being haunted with their first ball problems.
The Lady Bulldogs got the first set convincingly before seeing themselves in the second set down, 8-16. With Aiko Urdas producing great serves, NU was able to mount its comeback to steal the set at 19-18. Jorelle Singh then delivered with back-to-back hits, followed by the off-speed of Jaja Santiago to complete the comeback.
NU was starting to pull away in the third set, 8-3, before their reception collapsed no thanks to the heavy serves of UE. The Lady Warriors were able to steal the lead heading to the second technical timeout, 16-13.
The Lady Bulldogs, now without any liberos, were trying to repeat the comeback, but fell short as the attack of Judith Abil keptUE alive.
With a much better floor defense, NU was able to regain its form in the fourth set led by Jaja Santiago, with the new rotation of NU being effective as the backrow attacks of Jaja were working well especially in the latter part of the game.
The reigning best attacker Jaja Santiago tallied a high attack percentage with 20-out-26 attacks. Jorelle Singh and Risa Sato contributed 17 and 10 points respectively.
Shaya Adorador led the Lady Warriors with 16 points.
Player of the Game: Jasmin Nabor, 27 excellents sets and 8 points.
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