NIKOLE JAVIER 

Defending champion National University will be given a chance to set the record straight against rival La Salle when they meet for the second time this week to begin the second-round hostilities of the UAAP Season 85 women’s volleyball tournament on Saturday, March 25, at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City. 

The revenge-seeking Lady Bulldogs are out to bounce back following their 25-10, 25-15, 25-22 defeat at the hands of the Lady Spikers last March 22. 

The win capped La Salle’s dominant performance that saw them complete a seven-game sweep while the defeat gave the Lady Bulldogs a 5-2 record at the end of the first round.

It was the first time since the Round 2 of Season 81 in 2019 that NU fell to La Salle in straight sets. 

The Lady Spikers will have to stay focused and determined if they are to repeat their massive win in their 5 p.m. encounter with NU. 

Super rookie Angel Canino carried out the team-high performance in the swift victory for La Salle after rekindling her personal rivalry with Season 84 Rookie-Most Valuable Player Bella Belen, who was the lone bright spot for NU in the loss. 

In the first offering of the quadruple header, Ateneo (2-5) will cash in on the winless University of the East’s low morale in their 9:00 a.m. tussle. 

The Blue Eagles snapped their four-game slide at the expense of University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons to end their first round campaign. 

Adamson and University of Santo Tomas part ways when they clash at 11 a.m.

The Lady Falcons, Tigresses and Lady Bulldogs have similar 5-2 records.

On the other hand, Far Eastern University is also seeking for a repeat when it collides with UP at 3 p.m.

One of the reasons why the Lady Spikers are doing great these days is because they were able to get inspiring words from the head coach Ramil De Jesus even shortly.

“Pati nga si coach [Ramil de Jesus], nagbigay siya ng pep talk bago kami umalis. So, ‘yon ganda ng resulta,” said interim head coach Orcullo. 

“Nagpaalala lang naman siya. Binigyan lang sila [players] ng mga reminders na hindi tayo pwedeng magpa-intimidate. Maikli lang naman ‘yong sinabi niya brief lang talaga,” said Orcollo.