Orendain powers USLS past NU

University of St. La Salle's Patty Orendain spikes one against National University's Maricar Nepomuceno.

Orendain powers USLS past NU

by rick olivares with photos by brosi gonzales

October 27, 2011

Panay Civic Center

If you love power volleyball and a game of can you top this then the Unigames quarterfinals matchup between University of St. La Salle and National University is to your liking.

Regional power USLS’ Patty Orendain dueled with NU’s Maricar Nepomuceno all match long with each one strapping their teams on their respective backs. However it was the Lady Bulldog who towed her side to a 26-24 first set win.

In the second set, NU setter Precious May Salibad had a tough time setting up her teammates as a result, the Lady Bulldogs’ offense floundered. Myla Pablo and Lucelle Bayron got NU back within two, 15-13, but Orendain dashed their hopes with a pair of devastating spikes to go with two service aces to put La Salle Bacolod up 21-14. The Lady Stingers equalized the match with a 25-15 win.

Orendain continued her onslaught in the third set as NU had no answer at the net. After falling into an 11-18 hole, Nepomuceno scored four straight points to get her side back 21-17. Orendain blocked Rialen Sante then scored on a spike in front of a lunging Nepomuceno to close out the crucial third set 25-21.

NU had an opportunity to send the match to a fifth and deciding set after Salibad served an ace for a 22-21 lead Orendain once more rose up to the challenge to dispatch the Lady Bulldogs 25-22.

USLS will face CPU in their semifinals match Friday.

NU celebrates their short-lived one set lead.