Lady Spikers bow down to NU, end season with first runner-up finish
The De La Salle University (DLSU) Lady Spikers fail to force a game three decider against the National University (NU) Lady Bulldogs as they succumb in straight sets, 15–25, 15–25, 22–25, earlier today at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
This game makes it La Salle’s fourth straight loss against the Lady Bulldogs this season, losing all sets 0–12. Coach Ramil de Jesus made adjustments for today’s game, although it was not enough to contain the powerhouse NU.
The Lady Spikers started strong out of the gates, forcing errors out of long rallies and defending attacks with their renowned blocks. This forced NU Head Coach Karl Dimaculangan to call their first timeout at 1–5. DLSU continued to keep the separation at four after the first TTO, 8–4, however, the Lady Bulldogs regained their senses and enforced themselves back in the game. Led by Rookie MVP Bella Belen, the Blue and Gold cut La Salle’s lead to one, 10–9. Belen’s onslaught did not stop there, scoring seven points in the 11–1 NU run that allowed them to take a commanding lead, 17–11. La Salle was not able to respond back, losing the first set, 15–25.
Coach Ramil De Jesus made adjustments to start the second set, bringing in second-stringers Julia Coronel and Baby Jyne Soreño. Still caught in a slump, the Taft-based squad’s sloppy start allowed NU to take a 7–1 run at the start of the second set. Thea Gagate tried to come back with a short 3–0 run to trim the lead, 11–18, although this was not enough for DLSU. Failing to counter NU’s offense, the Lady Spikers trailed the whole set, going down, 15–25. Aly Solomon of NU took the spotlight, scoring 8 of her 18 points in the second.
CRDJ relied once again on his substitutes, retaining Coronel and Soreño, while inserting Matet Espina for the third set. Bouncing back from a slow start, DLSU opened up with an 8–5 lead after the first TTO. Gagate stepped up again to redeem herself after her Game 1 performance, forcing NU to call a timeout at 12–9. The Lady Spikers continued to hang on to their lead, converting on attacks, with Fifi Sharma scoring on an emphatic block that ended a long rally, 16–12. After the 2nd TTO, the momentum started shifting back to NU, as DLSU gave two straight points from errors. The Jhocson-based squad took advantage of this, tying the game at 20-apiece. The Lady Spikers were not able to survive NU’s run, with Gagate committing a service error to conclude the set, 22–25.
With today’s win, the Lady Bulldogs were named UAAP Season 84 Champions, their first title in 65 years. The young Lady Spikers were awarded 1st runner-up to conclude their season run. Thea Gagate was also hailed First Best Middle Blocker of the season.
Similar to game one, no one from DLSU scored double digits this game. Thea Gagate led all Lady Spikers with eight points, followed by Alleiah Malaluan with seven. Dela Cruz, Espina, and Soreno scored four-apiece.
Alyssa Solomon, on the other hand, led NU with 18 points, with Bella Belen contributing 16. Team Captain Cess Robles was awarded Finals MVP after leading the team to its first championship since 1957.
Box scores:
DLSU — Gagate 8, Malaluan 7, Dela Cruz 4, Espina 4, Soreno 4, Sharma 3, Coronel 2, Cruz 1
NU — Solomon 18, Belen 16, Lacsina 8, Robles 6, Toring 3, Pangilinan 2, Lamina 1, Nierva 1
