DLS-Zobel upends NU, completes 3-peat

MANILA, Philippines - Kim Dy and Mia Dizon delivered the killer blows as La Salle-Zobel upended National University, 25-20, 25-7, 20-25, 26-24, to complete a three-peat in UAAP girls volleyball championship at the packed UE Caloocan gym yesterday.

The Junior Lady Archers won the best-of-three series, 2-1, for a league-best ninth crown.

The 5-foot-7 Dy, a top prospect in college play, ended her high school career with a flourish, scoring back-to-back kills for La Salle-Zobel to help seal the victory.

The Junior Lady Archers actually trailed the Bulldogs majority of the fourth set but rallied to grab the lead at 24-23 after Mia Dizon scored two straight service aces.

La Salle-Zobel’s three straight championships is the longest by the Muntinlupa-based squad since the Junior Lady Archers registered a five-peat in 1994-98 under coach Edwin Leyva.

“We really worked hard for this since NU is a tough opponent,” said La Salle-Zobel mentor Ace Gacutan. â€œThis time, we showed more guts to win the game.”

Junior Lady Archers playmaker Andie Narciso was named the season MVP and best setter, while Dawn Macandili was the tournament’s best libero.

Dy, meanwhile, bagged the Best Blocker honors, taking charge for the team in the fourth frame.

“Kim (Dy) played a very important role in this game. She boosted the confidence of her teammates with her superb all-around game,” said Gacutan.

The Junior Lady Archers took the series opener, but the Junior Lady Bulldogs forced the decider behind a thrilling five-set win in Game 2 last Saturday.

Jaja Santiago, the younger sister of NU collegiate star Dindin Santiago, went home with the Best Attacker honors while teammate Marites Pablo took the the season’s Best Server honors.

University of Santo Tomas’ Ennajec and Ejiya Laure, daughters of PBA player Eddie Laure, went home with the Best Receiver and Rookie of the Year awards, respectively. 

The Junior Tigresses, who last ruled the tournament in 2009-10 with a powerhouse line-up led by Alyssa Valdez, took third place.