By Ardyn Gonzales
The still-undefeated National University Lady Bulldogs made quick work of the De La Salle University Lady Spikers in the Game 1 of the UAAP Season 84 women’s volleyball finals, 25-20, 25-12, 25-21, Saturday, at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
The Lady Bulldogs showed no rust after a one-week break, displaying total dominance over La Salle in straight sets. La Salle only scored 53 points in all three sets, 25 of which came from the unforced errors of NU. The Lady Bulldogs out-attacked the Lady Spikers, 43-23, while they also dominated the blocking department, 11-3.
Up 21-17 in the third set, Alyssa Solomon scored three consecutive points for the Lady Bulldogs to reach match point. La Salle saved one, but a close-out from Michaela Belen finished the game in favor of the sweep-seeking Lady Bulldogs.
Four players for NU were in double-digits, with Michaela Belen and Alyssa Solomon finishing with 15 points apiece. Team captain Cess Robles and Ivy Lacsina had 12 points each.
Meanwhile, all La Salle spikers were held down to single-digit output, with Leila Cruz leading the Lady Spikers with just six markers.
NU and La Salle will face each other again in Game 2 of the Finals on Tuesday at the same venue.
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