By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña
Dindin Santiago-Manabat had one of her best outings in the 2022 Volleyball Thailand League after leading her club Nakhon Ratchasima against Pro Flex RSU, 25-16, 25-23, 25-16.
The Philippine women’s volleyball team staple dropped an insane 19-point performance against one of the best teams in Thailand and added three blocks to her stat sheet.
Manabat heeded Nakhon’s call when her co-Filipina Asian import Mylene Paat had an off game after finishing with only four points.
The Pinay middle blocker was outstanding both offensively and defensively in the game and just attacked Pro Flex’s tough defense at will to help Nakhon gain control of every set.
Pro Flex attempted to snowball their way in the second set to equalize things but Manabat’s late offensive fury helped Nakhon restore order and edge them by just two points.
Nakhon had a clear lead in the last set and was steered by the one-two punch of Patcharaporn Sittisad and Karina Krause who each had 10 points.
With the huge victory, Nakhon improved their win-loss record to 6-5 and will seek to extend their winning streak when they meet with the undefeated Supreme Chonburi team on February 20.
If Manabat and Nakhon will grab the upset win, the team will have the opportunity to punch a ticket to the Thailand League playoffs and win the title.