The DLSU Lady Spikers continue their mastery over the NU Lady Bulldogs after a hard-fought five-set win in the UAAP Season 86 women's volleyball tournament on Saturday, March 16.
De La Salle University continued its mastery over National University after escaping with a thrilling five-set victory, 15-25, 25-19, 18-25, 25-19, 15-12, in the UAAP Season 86 women's volleyball tournament at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Saturday, March 16.
In front of 13,848 spectators at the Big Dome, the Lady Bulldogs looked like they were ready to distance themselves from the Lady Spikers after a neck-and-neck start to the game.
After a clean first set win by NU, La Salle would come back roaring to tie the game at one-set apiece.
Still, the Lady Bulldogs would snatch the momentum once more after a dominant third set win, powered by their duo of Bella Belen and Alyssa Solomon.
But the defending champion Lady Spikers continued to show their fight, starting the fourth set on a 9-0 run which ultimately propelled them to force a deciding frame.
After a back-and-forth affair to start the fifth set, La Salle banked on NU's errors and Thea Gagate to give them a three-point lead.
The Lady Spikers would cling on to this lead as Shevana Laput sealed DLSU's fourth-straight win in Season 86. In the head-to-head against NU, DLSU has won five straight.
Laput led the Lady Spikers with 20 points built on 18 attacks and two blocks.
Reigining MVP Angel Canino and Amie Provido added 17 and 14 points, respectively, in the win.
NU's trio of Bella Belen, Alyssa Solomon, and Vange Alinsug combined for 60 in the losing effort.