NU eyes sweep of Shakey’s title today Ateneo out to extend V-League series

Games Today (Philsports Arena) 4 p.m. – FEU vs UP (3rd) Awarding Ceremonies 6 p.m. – NU vs Ateneo (Finals)

National University (NU) is determined not to let a precious opportunity slip away as it goes for a second straight title against Ateneo today in Game 2 of the Shakey’s V-League Season 13 Collegiate Conference finals at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City.

The Lady Bulldogs moved a win shy of retaining the crown in the collegiate-flavored conference, rallying from a set down and an early deficit in the fifth to stun the Lady Eagles, 25-21, 19-25, 23-25, 25-18, 18-16, before an energetic crowd last Monday.

That is why Jaja Santiago and Aika Urdas, the main reasons for the stirring rally, lead the charge as NU tries to win its third championship in the league, the previous two coming at the expense of Ateneo.

Santiago was explosive on all departments for NU, finishing with 31 points built on 25 kills and five blocks while Urdas delivered the key hits to stun Ateneo.

But they all the help they can to make that goal possible, particularly Risa Sato, Jasmine Nabor, Joy Doromal and Jorelle Singh.

“Kailangang maipakita lang namin yung composure na ipinakita namin sa fifth set ng Game 1,” said NU assistant coach Edjet Mabbayad.

Mabbayad, however, is aware of Ateneo’s resiliency, knowing that the Lady Eagles advanced to the final round via deciding series victories in the quarterfinals and the semifinals.

The Lady Eagles, who lost to the Lady Eagles in last year’s finals, are surely not going to give up easily as skipper Michelle Morente, Ana Gopico and Bea De Leon try to stop the strong force of Santiago, Sato and Singh behind the net.

Meanwhile, Far Eastern University hopes to clinch the third-place honors when it tangles with University of the Philippines at 4 p.m.

The Lady Tams won Game 1 of their series, 25-23, 25-23, 21-25, 21-25, 15-9, behind the efforts of Heather Guino-o and Toni Rose Basas.