National University bucked a sluggish start and caught defending champion De La Salle at the top courtesy of a 22-25, 25-23, 25-16, 25-22 win in the second round of the UAAP Season 86 women’s volleyball tournament on Sunday night, April 14, at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City. 

The Lady Bulldogs recovered from slow opening set to taste their first victory over the Lady Spikers for the first time since their Season 84 finals showdown.

NU and University of Santo Tomas now share similar records of 10-2 in the standings as they moved closer into arming themselves with the precious twice-to-beat advantages.

Meanwhile, the shorthanded Lady Spikers slid 9-2 in the standings as reigning Rookie of the Year-Most Valuable Player Angel Canino’s absence magnified itself even more. 

Though now off her right arm sling, Canino's right wrist was wrapped as she joined the team's warmup prior to the game. 

The Lady Bulldogs stretched their winning run to five straight games as they remained unbeaten in the second round, while the Lady Spikers saw their seven-game winning streak snap before their eyes. 

In the opening set, NU found itself falling apart after giving away 11 errors which La Salle capitalized on with a 9-3 counterattack. 

After the third set, though, the Lady Bulldogs seized control with a two-one set lead. 

Despite La Salle’s fightback in the fourth set that saw at 22-all, NU showcased endgame poise with a 3-0 finishing kick. 

As usual, the mighty trio of NU led the way in its massive victory with Vange Alinsug leading all scorers with 22 points highlighted by 20 kills. 

Bella Belen and Alyssa Solomon contributed 14 and 13 markers, respectively, in the balanced attack. 

Sophomore opposite spiker Shevana Laput paced the Taft based squad with 21 points all on kills made, while Thea Gagate added 12 markers built on seven attacks and five kill blocks.