REBUILDING National University (NU) started its campaign on a high note with a 25-21, 20-25, 25-23, 25-21, win over Laoag at the start of the Shakey’s V-League Season 13 Open Conference on Saturday at the Filoil Flying V Center in San Juan City.
The Lady Bulldogs managed to pull off the win despite the lack of manpower, as the newcomers showed promise in their debut in the 13th season of the league, powered by Sports Vision.
“Magandang simula ito,” NU Head Coach Roger Gorayeb said. “Maski ako nagugulat. Ang laking pagbabago. Sana magtuluy-tuloy ito. Sabi ko nga sa kanila, ‘strength does not come in numbers.’ Ngayon 10 lang kami nag–eensayo pero mas relax sila ngayon.”
“Binabago ko ‘yung sistema. Ginawa ko lang na mas masaya ’yung atmosphere nila. Dati player lang sila, ngayon para na silang magkakapatid,” he added.
NU lost former skipper Myla Pablo, Asi Soliven and Ivy Perez, who all graduated, libero Bia General was cut in the lineup, while Rica Diolan, Maritess Pablo and Klarice Abriam reportedly transferred to College of Saint Benilde.
But the key holdovers of Gorayeb put up a good performance to win their opening match.
Jaja Santiago led all scorers with 21 points on 16 attacks, four blocks and a service ace, while Filipina-Japanese middle blocker Risa Sato debuted for the Lady Bulldogs with 12 markers. Jasmin Nabor, who was converted from spiker to setter, got the job done with 10 hits and 31 excellent sets.
Image credits: Nonoy Lacza