In a match that redefined underdog grit and shattered records, the De La Salle Lady Spikers resoundingly defeated the National University Lady Bulldogs, ending NU’s 28-game winning streak with a 3-1 (32-30, 14-25, 25-22, 25-21) victory in the 2024 Shakey’s Super League Pre-Season Championship.
It was a battle that blended precise game strategy, on-court power, and a touch of drama, unfolding at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum.
The buildup to this point was immense as the volleyball world wanted to see the UAAP Season 86 finals that did not happen.
NU hadn’t lost in the Shakeys Super League since 2022, their last defeat coming at the hands of none other than La Salle. The two powerhouse programs crossing paths again, with one aiming to extend their dominance and the other looking to jumpstart their redemption journey.
Lady Spikers Draw First Blood in Fiery First Set
Right from the first set, it was clear that neither team was willing to give an inch. NU started strong, with Alyssa Solomon and Michaela Belen delivering their usual offensive firepower, keeping the game close. But La Salle, with their young but talented core led by Angel Canino and the breakout performance of Mikole Reyes, matched the Bulldogs blow-for-blow, toe-to-toe and spike-to-smash.
NU dominated the set having six set points at the brink of taking the first. But these young Lady Spikers were not folding.
At the 23-24 mark, Shane Raterta blocked a Bella Belen attack to quash the first set point and the veterans took over. Shevana Laput drilled two smashes right into the heart of the NU floor defense to equalize at 30-all.
Like all big moments, the Season 85 MVP stepped up. Angel Canino blasted from the back row to send La Salle to set point and saw Alyssa Solomon spike it directly to the net to give the Animo volleyballes the first set.
Both teams traded thrilling rallies and strategic plays, with NU’s imposing front line doing its best to wear down La Salle’s defense. But Canino’s court vision and Reyes’ knack for finding gaps turned the tide in favor of the Lady Spikers.
Bulldogs Bites Back in the Second
As if stung by the close loss, NU stormed into the second set with a vengeance. Solomon, Belen, and Evangelique Alinsug put on a clinic, pushing NU ahead early and forcing La Salle into a string of errors. La Salle, seemingly rattled, couldn’t find their rhythm, and the Lady Bulldogs breezed through the set 25-14, bringing the match level and reinforcing their aura of invincibility.
At that point, it seemed like NU was back on track for another win, with their offense firing on all cylinders and their defense holding firm. La Salle struggled to handle Solomon’s powerful attacks and Belen’s deft shot placement.
The Turning Point The Third Set
But La Salle wasn’t about to let NU’s dominance continue. The third set became a true test of character for Coach Ramil De Jesus’ squad. Shevana Laput and Amie Provido stepped up when it mattered, contributing not just with kills but also with crucial blocks that kept NU from running away with the match.
The Lady Spikers took early leads with consistent plays by Laput, Canino and Provido at the 19-14 mark. But the Lady Bulldogs ain’t UAAP champions for nothing as they barked back ferociously behind Belen, Alunsug and Solomon to come within one 21-20.
La Salle took advantage of several NU errors starting with a Provido middle kill and eventually winning the set 25-22.
From that moment, the momentum had shifted. La Salle’s bench, which had been relatively quiet through the early stages, came to life. Each point earned was a statement, an indication that they were done being the perennial second-best. Reyes, playing beyond her years, showed poise in key moments, hitting well-placed shots past NU’s towering blockers.
The Final Push
The fourth set followed the same narrative. Both teams exchanged blows, but La Salle’s newfound confidence was apparent. NU, on the other hand, seemed to feel the weight of the streak, with some uncharacteristic errors creeping into their game, particularly in service. Despite another stellar showing from Solomon, who finished the match with 18 points, the Lady Bulldogs couldn’t stop La Salle’s surge.
Reyes’ impact continued to grow as the game progressed, and Canino, the ever-reliable force for La Salle, stayed aggressive on the attack. Provido, ever-present at the net, anchored the defensive front. La Salle sealed the set 25-21, and finally slaying Goliath.
Stat Sheet and Beyond
The statistics showed just how closely contested the match was, with both teams trading leads and rallies throughout. La Salle recorded 12 blocks to NU’s 6, a testament to their ability to shut down NU’s potent attack when it mattered most. NU had more kills (57-56) and aces (6-5), but their 31 errors proved to be their downfall against La Salle’s disciplined play.
For La Salle, Canino led the way with 20 points, Laput added 18 and Provido chipped in 18, her presence in the middle pivotal to La Salle’s defense. On NU’s side, Solomon’s 18 points and Belen’s 13 showcased their consistency, but it wasn’t enough to overcome the determined Lady Spikers.
La Salle will face UE next.
ANIMO LA SALLE!
ANIMO LADY SPIKERS!!!
