NU sweeps FEU; Arellano forces three-way tie

National University banked on the power-hitting troika of Jaja Santiago, Dindin Santiago-Manabat and Myla Pablo as it trounced Far Eastern University, 25-23, 26-24, 25-19, yesterday to finish tied for first after the Group A elims in the Shakey’s V-League Season 12-Collegiate Conference at The Arena in San Juan City.

Arellano U pulled through in a thrilling four-set dogfight with University of the Philippines, snatching a 25-23, 27-29, 25-23, 25-22 victory to force a three-way tie for first in Group A with NU and FEU.

Menchie Tubiera punched in a 21-hit game while Danna Henson added 18 points and guest player Mina Aganon chipped in 11 markers for the reigning NCAA champions Lady Chiefs, who finished tied for first with the Lady Bulldogs and the Lady Tams at 4-1 heading to the quarters.

But NU took the top seeding with a superior tiebreak score with FEU finishing second and Arellano settling for third.

Despite the loss, UP still advanced although it will have a lot of catching up to do in the carry-over quarters with a 2-3 card. In the third game Ateneo swept Group B in 5 games with a 25-16, 25-14, 25-13 rout of Technological Institute of the Philippines.

Justine Dorog fired 19 hits, Isabel Molde rammed in 18 and Diana Carlos and Marian Buitre combined for 24 markers as the Lady Maroons matched the Lady Chiefs’ power with 52 attacks each but failed to sustain their attack at endgame of the last two sets.

Santiago came away with three blocks for a 10-hit performance while Jorelle Singh added nine points for the Lady Bulldogs.