By ADRIAN STEWART CO

Negrense Angel Canino misfired offensively as the De La Salle University (DLSU) Lady Spikers bowed to the National University (NU) Lady Bulldogs, 25-23, 25-21, 25-18, in the UAAP Season 87 women’s volleyball tournament at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City on Sunday, February 16.

The former UAAP Rookie of the Year-MVP winner ended with just seven markers in a three-set appearance as the Lady Spikers opened their redemption tour on a losing note.

Mhicaela Belen led the way for the Lady Bulldogs with 14 points, on 10 attacks, three service aces and a block, while Alyssa Solomon and Alexa Mata contributed 13 and 10 points, respectively.

The Lady Bulldogs surged to a 14-7 start in the opening set behind early offense by Erin Pangilinan and Belen.

The Lady Spikers responded with a run to tie the score at 23-all before NU answered with attacks from Sheena Toring to take the set.

Both teams were engaged in a tight battle early in the second set, with NU clinging to a 20-18 lead before they went on a 5-3 finishing run behind Belen, Solomon and Evangeline Alinsug to secure a 2-0 set advantage.

The Lady Bulldogs started strong in the third set as they established a 20-10 advantage.

The Lady Spikers tried to stay alive as they cut the deficit to 18-24, but they committed a service error to close the game.

Shevana Laput finished with 18 points, all coming from attacks to lead the Lady Spikers, which will try to bounce back against the Adamson University Lady Falcons later this week.

Meanwhile, Shaina Nitura had a sensational collegiate debut as the Lady Falcons pulled off a stunning 21-25, 20-25, 25-12, 25-15, 15-12 comeback victory against the Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eagles.

Nitura delivered a standout performance, racking up 33 points from 28 attacks, four blocks and a service ace.

She also shattered the UAAP freshman scoring record of 31 points previously set by University of Santo Tomas Golden Tigresses’ Angeline Poyos./ASC, WDJ