Jaja-led National University, smothers Lyceum

MANILA, Philippines — National University, with national player Jaja Santiago suiting up at the last-minute, demolished Lyceum of the Philippines University, 25-17, 25-16, 25-21, yesterday to gain an early share of the Group A lead in the Premier Volleyball League Collegiate Conference at the Filoil Flying V Center in San Juan.

Santiago, back from the country’s failed bid in the SEA Games, and Risa Sato, member of the BaliPure team that won the Open Conference last month, fired 11 hits apiece to power the Lady Bulldogs to straight-set win to join fellow UAAP teams Ateneo and Far Eastern U in their side of the two-division tournament organized by Sports Vision.

The win also served as a fitting welcome for new coach Raymond Castillo, who took over from Roger Gorayeb, who stayed with the San Sebastian side, while Lyceum, back in the Sports Vision-organized league after its last stint in 2011, showed up with seasoned mentor Emil Lontoc.

But the Lady Bulldogs’ experience and deep bench proved too much for the young Lady Pirates, who drew eight points from Rosalyn Hongria.

Aiko Urdas, Jorelle Singh and ace playmaker Jasmine Nabor, who also helped anchor the Water Defenders’ breakthrough win in the league supported by Mikasa and Asics, also backed Santiago and Sato with big games.

Meanwhile, Adamson shut down University of the Philippines late in the decider and pounded out a 17-25, 25-21, 19-25, 25-19, 15-9 victory to join Arellano and San Beda in Group B lead at 1-0.