Lady Archers prove mastery over Lady Bulldogs anew

MANILA, Philippines – The DLSU Lady Spikers played like they had a chip on their shoulder as they mounted a comeback for a five-set victory against the NU Lady Bulldogs, 15-25, 25-19, 18-25, 25-19, 15-12, in their first round encounter in UAAP Season 86 on Saturday night.

Though winners of five straight in their head-to-head matchups, La Salle felt the need to continue to prove themselves, especially after looking vulnerable when they lost to the UST Golden Tigresses earlier in the season.

“I guess it was the pride, you know? They were second last year so we have to show that we won that championship for a reason,” said Shevana Laput, who finished with a team-high 20 points in the victory.

The win over NU was their first that came in five sets – with the five other victories in their 6-1 record coming via straight sets. After previously falling short in their only other five-setter, Laput said that the Lady Spikers have learned their lesson.

“We learned that we can’t be complacent [and] that we have to keep working harder than the other team,” she said. 

“[I]t’s also [about] who wants it more — we want it more.”

After the early hiccup, DLSU is now on a roll with four straight wins to end the first round.

Now with a chance to go for back-to-back crowns, La Salle, led by reigning MVP Angel Canino, looks to polish their game and peak at just the right time.

“I think coming into sa second round, mas kailangan namin ifocus talaga kung ano ba yung mga weaknesses na sinasabi ni coach Noel [Orcullo] na wala na kami dapat lapses sa second round,” said Canino.

“And yun nga, hindi siya madali but kailangan habulin [yung panalo] kasi yun nga, every game counts,” she added.

Against the Lady Bulldogs, DLSU dug deep to recover from being down by a set twice before claiming the victory in the fifth set decider.

Canino continued to be a consistent source of offense for the Lady Spikers as she ended the first round with 17 points in the victory over NU.