The NU Lady Bulldogs find UAAP Season 85 not as easy as a walk in the park.
The National University Lady Bulldogs aren't quite the top dogs after the first round of UAAP Season 85.
On Wednesday, the De La Salle University Lady Spikers dished their own three-set domination against their Season 84 finals tormentors, 25-10, 25-15, 25-21.
For reigning Most Valuable Player Bella Belen, it's a somber reminder that any team can challenge the champions and become the alphas.
"Siguro sa aming mga player, 'yung hunger namin sa paglalaro, medyo nawala po," Belen said. "Makikita po sa La Salle na gusto nila makuha 'yung game, point by point, kumpara sa amin."
Belen was the only Lady Bulldog in double digits with 12 points, 11 of which came from attacks. The second top scorer was Alyssa Solomon had eight. The ladies in green had three—Angel Canino with 14, Fifi Sharma with 12, and Jolina dela Cruz with 12.
The Lady Spikers, also known for their great wall in Thea Gagate, also made 12 blocks compared to the Bulldogs' four. Only Erin Pangilinan served an ace for NU, while four players each pitched in at the service line for DLSU.
"La Salle deserved na kanila 'yung game na 'to," coach Karl Dimaculangan ceded. "They're very prepared talaga. 'Yung hustle, eagerness, complete talaga sila."
It was a shaky conference for NU, Dimaculangan admitted, after they swept Season 84.
The Adamson Lady Falcons showed the Lady Bulldogs were fallible by fighting them to five sets. The University of Santo Tomas Golden Tigresses dealt first blood with NU's first loss in a full match. Even the University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons snatched a set. DLSU deepened that cut with a straight-set victory.
The team acknowledged it was a product of a lengthy preparation, as shown in pre-season tournaments.
"Shaky 'yung galaw namin, may mga times na 'di namin alam sa players kung makakapag-perform ba sila or what," Belen admitted.
Dimaculangan said they would have to reinforce their mental toughness heading to the second round.
But the Lady Bulldogs have barely any time to blink, as the next round will immediately start this Saturday. The now-top seed and undefeated DLSU will face the third-ranked team—NU.
"Balik kami sa self namin, kung ano yung ultimate goal namin this season," Belen said. "Para mabalik yung hunger namin sa paglalaro."