NATIONAL University came out smoking from a week-long rest following a five-set setback to BaliPure, blasting Team Iriga, 25-15, 25-16, 25-18, yesterday to bounce back into semifinal contention in the Shakey’s V-League Season 13 Open Conference at The Arena in San Juan.
The Lady Bulldogs dominated the Lady Oragons all game, putting on a superb court coverage that led to a series of attacks – through quick sets, combination plays or open spikes, including one from Joy Doromal that ended a long rally and the 61-minute romp aired live over ABS-CBN Sports + Action Channel 23.
NU coach Roger Gorayeb heaved a sigh of relief after the lopsided win, which he hoped would fuel the team’s surge after a shaky start in the season-opening conference of the league sponsored by Shakey’s and backed by Mikasa and Accel.
“It (the win) was good for the team’s confidence after two straight losses,” said Gorayeb, referring to their setbacks to Pocari Sweat and BaliPure, the last they blew after taking a 2-1 set lead.
NU thus tied its victim at fourth at 2-2 halfway through the single round robin elims with the top four advancing to the crossover semis.
Jorelle Singh soared to fire 12 hits, including nine attack points, while setter Jasmin Nabor put in a 10-hit effort and Jaja Santiago and Audrey Paran each tossed in nine markers for the Lady Bulldogs, who produced 35 spikes, 11 more than their rivals.
They also came through with seven blocks, including four from Nabor, and cashed in on the Lady Oragons poor service reception to ram in 12 aces.
Shola Alvarez led Iriga with eight hits as top hitter Grazille Bombita struggled with four markers. Karen Levina, Mae Pacino and Shallane Eniong each had five points.
Games tomorrow
4 p.m. – BaliPure vs Laoag
6:30 p.m. – NU vs Air Force