National University checked its skidding form just in time on the way to a 25-15, 25-23, 16-25, 25-13 win over Adamson to jumpstart its title bid in the UAAP women’s volleyball yesterday at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
Towering Jaja Santiago came to the team’s rescue by coming through with big hits from combination plays in the fourth after dropping the third set.
The 6-foot-5 Santiago who is playing her fifth and last year with the team finished with 16 points on 11 kills, four blocks and one ace.
Debuting NU coach Babes Castillo said her stalwarts needed more conditioning more than improving their skills.
“We wanted to produce more in the third set pero kumbaga, nagkulang sa battery so imbis na bumilis kami, bumabagal kami,” said Castillo.
Santiago also noted their slow plays forced them to commit more errors.
“We gave a lot of points to Adamson in that set,” Santiago added.
Aiko Urdas and Audrey Paran also contributed to NU with nine points each while Risa Sato and Roselyn Doria added eight points apiece.
Jasmine Nabor also provided ample support with 22 excellent sets.
In men’s action, National University and University of Santo Tomas scored contrasting victories yesterday to start their respective title bids on high notes.
The Bulldogs, finalists last season, swept the Adamson Falcons, 25-23, 25-19, 25-20, while the Tigers squeaked past the La Salle Green Spikers, 25-21, 25-16, 15-25, 23-25, 16-14.
