Lady Spikers succumb anew to NU
The De La Salle University (DLSU) Lady Spikers start off their second round campaign with a straight set defeat to the National University (NU) Lady Bulldogs, 21–25, 20–25, 17, earlier today at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
Looking to extend their three-game winning streak, the Lady Spikers were determined to outlast the undefeated Lady Bulldogs. With this loss, DLSU drop to 5–3, while NU remains spotless, 8–0.
The Lady Bulldogs showed dominance from the get-go, immediately establishing a 11–5 advantage off back-to-back service aces from Princess Robles. While the Jhocson-based squad attempted to pull away, Matet Espina was found to be La Salle’s magic bunot and kept La Salle within striking distance. Thea Gagate reduced NU’s advantage to three, 19–22, with an emphatic block, but the Bulldogs remained composed and closed out the first, 25–21.
It was a regrettable second set for the Lady Spikers, leading by two in the latter parts, 20–18, until NU blasted a 7–0 run to flip the narrative, 25–20. The Lady Spikers had full control of the second frame, taking advantage of the consecutive errors from NU. A combination play set up for Jolina dela Cruz extended La Salle’s lead to five, 12–7, but the fourth-year spiker went cold the remainder of the game. Slowly, NU inched closer, and an error by Alleiah Malaluan evened the set at 15-apiece. The super rookie redeemed herself immediately, but the collectedness of NU slowly, but surely, gave them the chance to get back.
The confidence of NU was in full display coming into the third, with them scoring from everywhere. Behind by five, the Lady Spikers went on a mini 3–0 run to bring them within two, 10–8. The Taft-based squad, however, remained scoreless, while NU scored seven straight, bringing them in front by nine, 17–8. La Salle attempted to rally back, but it was already too late. NU closed the set, 25–17, and the game, 3–0.
Thea Gagate was the only Lasallian in double-digits with 10, while Malaluan added seven. Espina managed to chip in six, despite coming off the bench, and Dela Cruz seemed to have a quiet outing today, with only three points.
On the flip side, there were three Lady Bulldogs in double-digits, with Robles accumulating 17 markers. Belen and Solomon had 14 and 13, respectively.
The DLSU Lady Spikers will seek to claim the second spot as they battle the FEU Lady Tamaraws on Saturday, May 28, 6:30 PM at the same venue.
