NATIONAL U SURVIVES MELTDOWN, DENIES ATTEMPT COMEBACK OF UP
By Ardyn Gonzales
5 March 2017
The NU Lady Bulldogs ended its three-game losing skid at the expense of the UP Lady Maroons in a highly emotional five-setter match, 25-23, 25-17, 22-25, 15-25, 15-12, to force a quadruple tie for third spot, March 5, Sunday at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
The Lady Bulldogs capitalized on the shaky floor defense of UP in the first two sets, which made the attacks of the Lady Maroons predictable.
UP came alive in the next two sets and was able to turn things around, as it was their turn to take advantage of the faulty reception of NU to force a decider.
The Lady Maroons continued its momentum in the fifth set, amassing a 10-6 lead with Jaja Santiago still at the sidelines. NU then rallied to tie the match at 12-all, with Risa Sato serving which meant that Jaja would be in the frontline.
Jaja, however, did not have to do anything as Sato produced three great serves that disrupted the chance of UP to complete the comeback.
Jaja Santiago top scored for NU with 18 points, while Jorelle Singh and Risa Sato adding 15 and 12 points respectively.
Marian Buitre led UP with 20 points with Tots Carlos and Nicole Tiamzon combining for 33 markers.
Player of the Game: Jaja Santiago, 18 points (14 attacks, 2 blocks, 2 service aces)
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