NU weathers Angel Canino’s third-set surge to draw first blood vs. DLSU

National University overcame a third-set onslaught by Angel Canino to pull off a 25-17, 25-21, 13-25, 25-17 win against De La Salle University in Game 1 of the UAAP Season 87 women’s volleyball finals on Sunday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The top-seeded Lady Bulldogs put what happened in the third frame behind them after Canino caught fire in that set, with former MVP pouring in 10 points to rally the Lady Spikers.

The third-year outside spiker fueled a massive 10-0 run that saw DLSU turn a 7-8 deficit to a huge 18-7 lead while they also took advantage of an error-prone NU, which had seven faults in that frame. 

But the Lady Bulldogs rediscovered their championship form in the fourth behind young guns Vange Alinsug, Arah Panique, and Alexa Mata. 

Mata denied Canino's push from the left wing to bring NU to a 17-12 advantage before Alinsug's own kill brought them to a pivotal 20-16 spread. 

Alinsug put the finishing kick as she unleashed back-to-back outside kills to seal it for NU, which is gunning to seize its third title in the last four seasons. 

Alinsug led the way with 21 points while Bella Belen chipped in 19 markers and 15 digs. 

Canino's third-srt heroics saw her finish with 22 points laced with 13 receptions while she got help from Shevana Laput and Amie Provido with 16 and 10 markers apiece. 

NU looks to finish off La Salle in Game 2 slated on Wednesday at the Mall of Asia Arena. 

—JKC, GMA Integrated News