NU routs Lyceum, grabs share of Group A lead

Games Tuesday (September 6)

(Filoil Arena, San Juan)

8 a.m. – SBC vs Ateneo (m)

10 a.m. – FEU vs NU (m)

4 p.m. – AU vs San Beda (w)

6:30 p.m. – JRU vs SSC-R (w)

MANILA, Philippines – National University bared its serious title intent as it demolished Lyceum of the Philippines University, 25-17, 25-16, 25-21, on Monday to seize a share of the Group A lead in the Premier Volleyball League Collegiate Conference at the Filoil Arena in San Juan City.

Team captain Jaja Santiago, recently back from the country’s failed Southeast Asian Games campaign, and Risa Sato, who was part of the Bali Pure team that won the Open Conference just a month ago, fired 11 hits apiece to lead the Lady Bulldogs to their first win and on top of Group A alongside the Ateneo Lady Eagles and Far Eastern University Lady Tams.

It was also a fitting welcome to new coach Raymond Castillo, who took over from Roger Gorayeb a few months back.

LPU, mentored by the seasoned Emil Lontoc, also made its much-awaited return after joining the league’s in its earlier years.

In the end though, NU proved to be the more experienced and deeper team as most of its players have played in the PVL before.

It included Bali Pure standouts Jasmine Nabor, who had six hits and 27 excellent sets, and Aiko Urdas, who chipped in five kills.

LPU played with desperation in the third set and twice trailed by just two points, the last at 21-23, but NU took the next two points to seal the win.

After a slow start and strong resistance by the Lady Pirates, the Lady Bulldogs found the groove late to take the opening set.

NU sustained the momentum of its late surge the set before and roared to an early big lead in the second set and never relented to take a comfortable 2-0 lead.

In men’s action, University of Santo Tomas overpowered La Salle, 25-17, 25-13, 25-22, to seize the solo lead with two victories.

Joshua Umandal came through with 14 points, all coming off attacks, to lead the way for the Tigers, who waylaid the State U Maroons, 25-17, 25-22, 25-15, on opening day.

UP bounced back from its first game setback by surprising reigning NCAA champion St. Benilde, 25-18, 21-25, 25-23, 21-25, 16-14, to register its first victory.

Wendel Miguel led the Maroons with 22 points while Nicolo Consuelo, Jerry Earl San Pedro, Jr. and Matthew Gohoc scattered 19, 16 and 10, respectively.

The Archers fell to 1-1 while the Blazers skidded to their second straight defeat.