Vange Alinsug of NU goes for an attack against La Salle in Game 1 of the 2024 Shakey's Super League Collegiate Pre-season Championship Finals, November 22, 2024 at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum. Handout/SSLMANILA -- Defending champions National University outplayed their fierce rival, De La Salle University, in Game 1 of the 2024 Shakey's Super League Collegiate Pre-Season Championship finals on Friday at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum.
The Lady Bulldogs weathered the Lady Spikers' late charge in the third set en route to a 25-16, 25-12, 27-25 triumph and a 1-0 lead in their best-of-3 championship series.
Lams Lamina orchestrated the Lady Bulldogs’ offense with an impressive 15-excellent sets, to earn top honors in the match.
Alyssa Solomon had yet another dynamic performance, recording 14 points that sparked victory in the match. Bella Belen on the other hand chipped in with 10 points, while outside hitter Vange Alinsug contributed seven points.
"Siyempre championship ito so talagang hindi bibigay ang La Salle kasi nga siyempre champion team din 'yan," NU head coach Sherwin Meneses said. "’Yung break napunta sa amin nu’ng third set so thankful kami nakuha namin yung Game 1."
The Lady Bulldogs started strong with an 11-6 lead in the first set, with Alinsug and Solomon each taking turns delivering kills to set the tone and rode the momentum to a 25-16 opening frame win.
Despite trailing 8-4 in the second, the Lady Bulldogs still dominated the rest of the way, extending their advantage in the second set to 11 points, leading 22-11.
Alinsug threw a powerful spike before Chammy Maaya finished the match with a quick attack and dominated the entire time, securing a two-set advantage.
Following the gritty fight in the first two sets, NU began the third set with their consistency in play and point contribution, gaining a 12-6 lead.
However, Lady Spikers erased the six-point deficit after the 4-0 run from Shevana Laput’s specialty crosscourt dagger, Katrina Del Castillo’s block, and an ace from Laput with the help of the net.
Both teams exchanged service errors and kills until the score reached a 21-21 deadlock.
The Lady Spikers battled late to take a 24-23 lead with Lilay Del Castillo’s heavy yet speedy hit, but the Lady Bulldogs held off two set points before winning the final three points to secure a 27-25 win.
Laput led the Lady Spikers with 12 points on 10 attacks, a block and an ace, while skipper Angel Canino was limited to eight points.
NU and DLSU will be back in action for Game 2 of the best-of-three finals on November 24.