Santiago helps NU book finals seat

GETTING another big game from skipper Dindin Santiago, National University  fought back from a set down to dump a stubborn Adamson, 24-26, 25-20, 25-15, 25-22, yesterday to seal a first finals appearance in the Shakey’s V-League at Filoil Flying V Arena in San Juan.

Santiago was a pillar of strength for the youthful Bulldogs, who are finally reaping the rewards of a revitalized volleyball program that started three years ago.

After dropping the series opener, the Lady Bulldogs produced a couple of sterling performances to clinch the series, 2-1, and seal a finals showdown with Ateneo.

“We’re happy to be in the finals for the first time, but we’re not done yet,” said NU coach Edjet Mabbayad in Filipino. “We dont want this opportunity to slip.”

Game 1 of the best-of-three finals is on Thursday at the Mall of Asia Arena.

Santiago, the skipper, provided the flash of inspiration with 24 points while Myla Pablo backstopped with 20 markers, including the match- winning kill.

Carmina Aganon and Jaja Santiago combined for 20 points for the Lady Bulldogs, who refused to be rattled after narrowly losing the first set.

Pau Soriano paced Adamson with 19 points while Mylene Paat and guest player Angela Benting finished with 11 and 10 points, respectively.

The Lady Bulldogs put the clamps on Benting, who torched them with 28 points in the series opener. Benting only managed 23 points in Games 2 and 3.

Adamson won the first set, after rallying from a 16-21 deficit behind Paat, Benting and Jennifer Macatuno.

But the Lady Bulldogs hit their stride in the next set, building an early 15-7 advantage and not allowing Adamson to get to within four points the rest of the way. /inquirer