A set four explosion by super rookie Angel Canino, crucial endgame defensive gems by Thea Gagate, and a string of errors by the Lady Bulldogs led to a thrilling five-set victory by De La Salle University past defending champions National University (18-25, 25-22, 22-25, 25-21, 15-13) in Game 1 of the UAAP women’s volleyball finals Sunday at the Araneta Coliseum.

After a strong start by the Lady Bulldogs paced by Alyssa Solomon and reigning most valuable player (MVP) Mhicaela Belen, Canino, a rookie MVP candidate, turned things around for the Lady Spikers in set four, starting with two straight service aces, followed by five booming kill spikes for a 25-21 recovery to level the game.

Gagate then roofed the Lady Bulldogs in the deciding set, scoring four points off two crucial blocks on Belen and Solomon and an uncontested spike off an NU over-reception to build an insurmountable 12-9 lead.

Solomon and Belen tried to climb back as the towering opposite spiker scored two points while her partner on the open wing scored through the La Sallian blockers to inch closer, `13-14, but a costly setting error by relief setter Joyme Cagande to Minierva Maaya cost the game for NU.

“Sabi ko, balik lang sa system namin, tiwala lang sa sarili namin na kaya namin ito,” Canino, who led her team with 21 points off 19 attacks and two aces, said after the game.

Canino, however, rued her team’s performance tonight as not their “real game.”

“Expect nyo ang team namin na mag-improve pa sa next game namin. Alam naming hindi pa ito ang best namin, na may mailalabas pa kami,” Canino added.

Reigning best blocker Gagate added 17 points off four blocks while Justine Jazareno secured floor coverage for the Lady Spikers with 44 digs.

On the other hand, Solomon scored a game high 28 points for NU while Belen added 22.

Game two is set next Sunday, May 14, at the Mall of Asia Arena.

In the first game, the University of Santo Tomas blanked Far Eastern University in straight sets, 25-18, 25-22, 25-21 to enter the men’s volleyball finals against undefeated defending champions NU.

Game 1 of the best-of-three series will be played on Wednesday, May 10, also at the Mall of Asia Arena.

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