By Ardyn Gonzales
The defending champions National University Lady Bulldogs swept their previous tormentors De La Salle Univesity Lady Spikers, 25-23, 25-21, 25-18, in the UAAP Season 87 women’s volleyball tournament, Sunday at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
Graduating seniors Bella Belen, Alyssa Solomon, and Camila Lamina led NU in the three-set victory, giving their new headcoach Sherwin Meneses his first win for his comeback in the UAAP.
Belen finished with 14 points on 10 attacks, three service aces, and a kill block, while Solomon shrugged off a rusty start and was still able to produce 13 points. NU’s unstoppable offense was orchestrated by the setter Lamina, dishing out 20 excellent plays in just three sets.
The Lady Bulldogs almost lost the first set after La Salle had a late 5-0 run to force a 23-all deadlock. Sheena Toring then scored a quick attack from the middle for a much-needed sideout, then Shevana Laput’s attack went straight to the net to give NU the opening set.
The defending champs did not look back after that as they continued to display dominance all throughout the match, even forcing La Salle to use all their three setters to revive their missing offense.
Lady Spikers’ team captain Angel Canino was limited to a rare eight-point performance, leaving Shevana Laput to be the main scorer with 18 points. After 12 years, the La Salle opened their season with a loss.
The Lady Bulldogs will hope for another win against Ateneo in their next assignment, while the Lady Spikers will attempt to bounce back against Adamson.
Featured image courtesy of UAAP
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