UAAP volleyball: NU edges UST in four sets

MANILA, Philippines – National University banked on the leadership of former Golden Tigress Dindin Santiago, pulling off a decisive 25-16, 25-23, 23-25, 25-13 win over UST in the 75th season of the UAAP Women's volleyball tournament at the Fil-Oil Flying V Arena in San Juan today.

Santiago, a transferee from UST, torched her former squad with 24 points, including 18 kills, while Myla Pablo, Aiko Urdas and Maricar Nepomuceno chipped in 18, 12 and 11 points, respectively, for the Lady Bulldogs.

"As always, Dindin led the team. Palaban talaga yun attitude niya but more importantly, naglaro siya while leading the team. Her leadership was a huge factor in our game today," said Vicente.

Santiago debuted with the Golden Tigresses in her rookie season three years ago but transferred to the Bulldogs. This was her first outing against former team after serving her two-year residency with NU.

The Lady Bulldogs suffocated their counterparts with a superb game, owing to their advantages in the blocking (12-4) and service (9-2) departments for the victory.

"For me, lumabas lahat ng practice at hard work namin especially on our floor defense. We've been working hard at practice so fortunately for us it worked," said NU head coach Francis Vicente.

Pam Lastimosa paced the Espana-based squad with 12 markers while veteran Judy Caballejo added 10 points.

NU thus tied UST with a 1-1 record.