V-League: Bulldogs bite back, defeat Lady Eagles to force game three

The National University Lady Bulldogs leaned on league MVP Dindin Santiago both on offense and defense to defeat the Ateneo Lady Eagles, 26-24 25-23 25-22, in game two of the 10th Shakey's V-League first conference finals on Sunday at the Mall of Asia Arena.

Ateneo had swept their first Finals meeting 25-15, 25-22, 25-23.

The Lady Bulldogs were off to an explosive start as they carried an 8-3 lead early in the first set. Myla Pablo and Rubie De Leon were on target as they led the charge for the NU offense.

Unfortunately for the Lady Bulldogs, their inconsistencies in the service zone cost them the opportunity to break away in the set. With Alyssa Valdez capitalizing on the situation, the Lady Eagles quickly found themselves back in the thick of things, tying the set at 14-all.

However, the Lady Eagles also lined up couple of errors on their part to give the Lady Bulldogs back the lead at 19-16. But with game one’s player of the game, Amy Ahomiro contributing well for Ateneo, the game boiled down to a back-and-forth affair at 20-all. The set then reached another deadlock at 23-all as Valdez, Jeng Bualee, and Rachel Daquis exchanged points with Dindin Santiago and Carmina Aganon.

Despite reaching set point at 24-23, the Lady Eagles failed to capitalize as their unforced errors gave the set away to the Lady Bulldogs at 26-24.

The second set was another close duel as Ateneo managed an 8-7 lead despite Dindin Santiago connecting from all angles.

However, with the Lady Bulldogs lining up error after error, the Lady Eagles were able to extend their lead at 18-12. But driven by the aggressiveness of Santiago and Aganon, the Lady Bulldogs were able to deliver a 7-1 scoring run to inch closer at 19-18.

The resurgence of the Lady Bulldogs caused much frustration on the Lady Eagles’ part as a four touches violation hinted at Ateneo’s lost composure. The Santiago sisters then connected on well-placed shots and a crossing violation called on Ateneo sealed the second set comeback for the Lady Bulldogs at 25-23.

Up two sets to none, Myla Pablo and the Santiago sisters led the Lady Bulldogs to an early 8-6 advantage. Myla Pablo and Aiko Urdas provided a huge spark for NU as their blocking and cleanly-hit spikes extended their lead further to six at 16-10 by the second technical timeout.

Rubie De Leon, Carmina Aganon and Dindin Santiago then carried the Lady Bulldogs to match point 24-18. However, Amy Ahomiro stepped up for Ateneo as she lined up three straight service aces to crawl in closer at 24-22. Unfortunately for the Lady Eagles, Aganon kept her composure and delivered the winning blow at 25-22.


Myla Pablo was named the Player of the Game with 15 points, a block, and a service ace. Dindin Santiago added 12 points in support.

The Lady Eagles drew 17 markers from scoring machine Alyssa Valdez and 15 from guest player Jeng Bualee, but Rachel Ann Daquis was the missing link, scoring just four.

Game three of the V-League Finals will be on June 2 at the PhilSports Arena at 3 pm. It will be preceded by game three of the battle for third place between UST and Adamson University. - CLP/AMD, GMA News