The DLSU Lady Spikers were spectacular in the opening week of the UAAP Season 78 Volleyball tournament, claiming consecutive victories over the FEU Lady Tamaraws and the UP Fighting Maroons.
La Salle’s next game, however, will certainly test their impressive start as they take on the NU Lady Bulldogs later today, 4pm, at the Mall of Asia Arena.
Familiar foes
In last season’s playoff run, NU gave the Lady Spikers a tough time. La Salle was boasting a twice-to-beat advantage over the Lady Bulldogs, but the resilient players of NU crushed DLSU, sweeping them in straight sets during the first game, 25-20, 25-20, 25-19. Jaja Santiago and Myla Pablo led the Lady Bulldogs with 13 points apiece, while Jorelle Singh and Rizza Mandapat contributed 11 and 10 points, respectively.
On the other hand, the Lady Spikers were led by then-team captain Ara Galang in scoring with 14 points, while Cyd Demecillo added 10 points.
Fortunately for La Salle, they were able to bounce back in Game 2, dodging a potential upset after dropping NU, 26-24, 21-25, 25-18, 25-21. Although they were able to beat the Bulldogs, the Lady Spikers lost Galang to a knee injury in the game’s final moments.
![DLSU vs NU (Preview) [] []](http://thelasallian.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/DLSU-vs-NU-Preview--705x470.jpg)
Solid start
Currently at the top of the standings, the Lady Spikers made big strides to cap off the first week of Season 78. In their first game, La Salle bested FEU in straight sets, 29-27, 25-23, 25-20. Finishing with 13 points on 12 spikes, veteran Mika Reyes was named the Best Scorer of the Game, while Toni Rose Basas led FEU with 13 points on 12 spikes as well. Their victory over UP, on the other hand, did not come as easy. The Lady Maroons were able to take the third set, but La Salle fortunately was able to take the next one and win the match, 25-14, 25-13, 19-25, 25-20. Majoy Baron led all DLSU scorers as she chipped in a game-high 17 points off 12 spikes. Maria Lina Molde led FEU with 15 points, 13 of which were on spikes.
If last season was any indication, NU remains to be a strong contender that can push La Salle to its limit. Even though it is still early in the season, La Salle needs to take it one set and one game at a time, because a consistent and collective effort will be the key to getting past the Lady Bulldogs.
