By Ardyn Gonzales
The National University Lady Bulldogs are still unscathed after clinching their eighth victory in the UAAP Season 87 women’s volleyball tournament at the expense of the De La Salle University Lady Spikers, 25-19, 22-25, 25-20, 25-18, Sunday at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
The Lady Bulldogs quickly recovered from losing the second frame, creating a huge separation halfway through with an 18-12 lead. NU eventually won the set with both their offense and defense on point.
In the fourth set, La Salle was able to come within two points after trailing most of the set, 17-19, but NU knew better and spoiled the comeback attempt with a 5-0 run that started after an off-the-block hit by Bella Belen. The Lady Spikers scored another point before the Lady Bulldogs scored the next two points to claim the win.
Shevana Laput and Angel Canino tried to carry their team to force an extension, but NU’s trifecta in Belen, Alyssa Solomon and Vange Alinsug were just unstoppable.
Leading MVP candidate Belen was all over the statistics with 17 attacks, four kill blocks, two service aces, and 17 excellent receptions. Solomon and Alinsug added 19 and 11 markers, respectively.
The last time NU swept La Salle in the elimination round was back in Season 84, the season where the Lady Bulldogs swept the entire tournament to claim the championship.
Meanwhile, Laput led the Lady Spikers with 19 points as La Salle suffered their third loss this season, tied with FEU and UST with 5-3 win-loss card.
Featured image courtesy of UAAP
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