National University finally halted its five-game losing skid against modern-day rival, Angel Canino-less De La Salle University via a 22-25, 25-23, 25-16, 25-22 win in the second round of the UAAP Season 86 Women’s Volleyball Tournament on Sunday night in front of 11,414 fans at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
The victory by the Lady Bulldogs (10-2) created a major shake-up in the race for the two twice-to-beat incentives as they, alongside the Lady Spikers (9-2) and University of Santo Tomas (10-2) now all have two losses each.
This is NU’s fifth straight win, still undefeated in the second round, while also snapping La Salle’s seven-game winning streak.
Before this victory, NU’s last win over La Salle came in the clincher of their Season 84 championship back on June 21, 2022. The Lady Bulldogs then dropped their next four games against the Lady Spikers in Season 85 and their first round clash in the ongoing tournament.
“Sobrang happy ko po talaga since gusto namin itong mangyari ngayon simula pa kagabi na yung pinaguusapan namin kaya sa puso namin talaga ngayon, kitang-kita ko po sa lahat na lahat kami gustong-gusto manalo,” said Vange Alinsug, who starred for NU with 22 points, five digs, and five receptions.
It was also the sophomore Alinsug who provided the clutch hit in the fourth with a crosscourt kill to give the Lady Bulldogs the 23-22 lead followed by Jyne Soreño’s crucial attack that went long for the match point.
Then team captain Erin Pangilinan made the game-winner as she smartly hit a floating ball given by La Salle off a short serve by Alyssa Solomon for the win in two hours and 25 minutes.
Bella Belen chipped in 14 points, 14 excellent receptions, and seven digs, while Solomon had 13 points as well.
“We’re very happy kasi hindi pa kami nananalo sa kanila simula nung last season so yung mindset talaga namin is matalo sila ngayon, na manalo kami ngayon na kailangang gawin yung best namin kasi hindi siya magiging madali kasi champion team yung La Salle eh,” said Belen, the Season 84 MVP.
Shevana Laput paced the Lady Spikers with 21 points, all on attacks, while Thea Gagate provided 12 points including five blocks in the error-filled game that saw La Salle with 32 errors and NU with 29.
In the three games reigning MVP Canino missed so far, La Salle struggled, needing four sets to win against University of the Philippines, five sets against University of the East, and then this defeat.
NU will next face Adamson University on Saturday at the Philsports Arena before closing their elims play against Far Eastern University.
La Salle, on the other hand, will still battle Adamson (April 17), Ateneo de Manila University (April 21), and UST (April 27).
