National University finally halted its five-game losing skid against modern-day rival, Angel Canino-less De La Salle University via a 22-25, 25-23, 25-16, 25-22 win in the second round of the UAAP Season 86 Women’s Volleyball Tournament, Sunday night in front of 11,414 fans at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
Before this victory, NU’s last win over La Salle came in the clincher of their Season 84 championship back on June 21, 2022. The Lady Bulldogs then dropped their next four games against the Lady Spikers in Season 85 and their first round clash in the ongoing tournament.
Shevana Laput paced the Lady Spikers with 21 points, all on attacks, while Thea Gagate provided 12 points including five blocks in the error-filled game that saw La Salle with 32 errors and NU with 29.
In the three games reigning MVP Canino missed so far, La Salle struggled, needing four sets to win against University of the Philippines, five sets against University of the East, and then this defeat.