NU outlasts Laoag in V-L opener

MANILA, Philippines – National University drew strength from its new-found setter Jasmine Nabor as it turned back Laoag City, 25-21, 20-25, 25-23, 25-21, yesterday to set in motion its campaign in the 13th Shakey’s V-League Open Conference at The San Juan Arena.

Jaja Santiago exploded with a match-high 21 hits including 16 on kills and four on blocks while Fil-Japanese rookie Risa Sato debuted solidly with 12 hits but it was Nabor who shone the brightest with 10 hits and 31 excellent sets.

Nabor, who has filled in the void left by Ivy Perez and Rica Diolan, has actually returned as a setter after playing outside spiker the season before, thanks to NU coach Roger Gorayeb making the switch.

“She’s a natural setter, and in this game she showed she’s fit for the position,” said Gorayeb of Nabor, who played as a setter with NU in high school.

It was also an all-around game for Nabor as she did not only score on kills, she also contributed four blocks, the same number the taller Santiago registered, and three service aces.

Gorayeb said Nabor will play the position until his rookie recruit, 5-9 setter Larni Aberin arrives on June 24.

Pocari Sweat marked its Shakey’s V-League debut with an overpowering 25-18, 25-14, 25-22 victory over University of the Philippines to join NU in the early lead in the single round elims among eight teams.

Save for a brief scare at the end of the third, it was an all-Lady Warriors show with Michelle Gumabao, Myla Pablo and Elaine Kasilag leading the attack with 13, 11 and 10 points, respectively.

Anne Tiamzon, Alisa Buitre and Isabel Molde combined for 24 hits for the Lady Maroons, who kept the game close towards the end of the third, forcing a tie at 22 before the Lady Warriors took the last three points capped by a two-handed clincher by Kasilag.