Lady Spikers overcome NU in an instant classic

The De La Salle University (DLSU) Lady Spikers overcame the National University (NU) Lady Bulldogs in an instant classic showdown, 15 – 25, 25 – 19, 18 – 25, 25 – 19, 15 – 12, earlier today at the Smart Araneta Colliseum

Amie Provido was awarded Player of the Game (POG) with 14 points and five blocks while Shevana Laput contributed a total of 20 points and the reigning Rookie MVP Angel Canino chipped in 17 points. On the other hand, it was the Season 84 Rookie MVP Michaela Belen and Alyssa Solomon scoring 20 points and 21 points respectively.

Starting off the first set, it was a close battle between the two former UAAP champions as both teams were making their attacks back and forth, 5–5 as Shevana Laput gave the momentum to La Salle with multiple attack points. Right afterwards, it was the reigning Canino, made a service ace that gave the lead to the Lady Spikers, 7–6. However, the Lady Bulldogs were able to capitalize on the lead as Belen took charge to put them up in a three-point lead, 11–14. Unforced errors by the Lady Spikers extended Lady Bulldogs’ lead up to five before the second technical timeout. From here on point, NU continued to showcase their desire for redemption from last season’s finals, 13–20. Adding to their lead was Abigail Pono’s service ace which gave the Bulldogs their biggest gap of the game, 13–23. At the last few seconds of the first set, it was Alleiah Malaluan who made a attack error which gave the Lady Bulldogs the first set, 15–25.

Coming into the second set, Malaluan scored the first two points for the Lady Spikers but was retaliated by Solomon’s spike, 2-all. Both teams are truly going at each other as they are able to score back and forth but Malaluan and Laput quickly secured the a two-point lead, 8–6. Throughout the set, La Salle continued to keep up their lead by making the right plays and creating the perfect chance extending the lead to 17–11. Finally, it was Thea Gagate’s quick spike and straight cross giving La Salle a comfortable 21–14 separation. At the end of the last play, it was Malaluan landed a cross spike to give La Salle the second set, 25–19.

Going to the third set, Belen took charge yet again for the Lady Bulldogs, scoring the first three points of the set. NU then took advantage of this to extend their lead to 2–8. Meanwhile, it was a rough start for the Lady Spikers in the third set as they struggled to receive the ball and had a shaky defense. Alinsug then hits a monster cross spike that extended the lead for the Lady Bulldogs even further, 6–13. With this the Lady Bulldogs continue to increase their momentum as the lead turns into seven thanks to Solomon’s solo block, 10–17. Throughout the third set, the Lady Bulldogs continued to keep the lead but the resurgent Lady Spikers did not back down via Laput and Malaluan’s offensive combination, 17–23. Unfortunately, it was Belen that scored the last two points for the Lady Bulldogs to secure the third set, 18–25.

Moving on the fourth set, Amie Provido started off strong for the Lady Spikers as she scored the first two points of the game. Momentum continued to favor the Lady Spikers as they built a 5–0 advantage in the opening of the set. From there, the Lady Spikers continued to extend their lead throughout the fourth set through the likes of Provido, Canino, Malaluan and Laput landing multiple attacks. Finally, the Lady Spikers were able to hit the set point after a Provido block, 24–17. The fourth set soon ended with an attack error by NU, 25–18, extending the match to a fifth.

Now in the final set, both teams were determined more than ever to win. Belen made the first two points for the Lady Bulldogs but Canino responded with a lefty dump, 2–1. The game continues to intensify as both teams went right at it giving their 110%. The Lady Spikers then took the upper hand courtesy of attacks from Provido, Malaluan together with Coronel who executed crucial. Finally, Canino hit a cross spike to get the match point for the Lady Spikers before a Shevana Laput attack granted La Salle a hard fought victory, 15–12.

Set scores: 15–25, 25–19, 18–25, 25–19, 15–12

Box score:

DLSU 3— Laput 20, Canino 17, Provido 14, Malaluan 12, Gagate 5, Coronel 5, Soreno 1, Hernandez (L) 0, De Leon (L) 0, Larroza 0, Torres 0, Tolentino 0, Levina 0, Del Castillo 0

NU 2— Solomon 21, Belen 20, Alinsug 19, Pangilinan 5, Bombita 3, Pono 2, Lamina 2, Toring 2, Denura (L) 1, Jardio (L) 0, Maaya 0, Panique 0, Escanlar 0