The National University (NU) women’s volleyball team flashed its fangs with a 25-17, 25-21, 13-25, 25-17 victory over De La Salle University in Game One of their University Athletic Association of the Philippines Season 87 best-of-three title series Sunday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The Lady Bulldogs proved their championship mettle once again behind a cast of reliable spikers.

NU came out firing in the first two sets, but faltered in the third as La Salle pounced with a dominant 21-9 lead behind the efforts of Angel Canino and Amie Provido.

Errors from NU’s Alyssa Solomon and Vange Alinsug eventually handed La Salle the set.

“Of course, in games, you can’t always control what happens,” NU head coach Sherwin Meneses said.

“What’s important is to accept the situation and bounce back. That’s what matters most — being able to recover.”

NU did just that. With their composure intact, the Lady Bulldogs stormed back in the fourth set.

A long rally capped by an Alinsug kill through the block pushed NU ahead, 20-16. La Salle’s string of miscues widened the gap, before back-to-back hits from Alinsug put the game in the bag.

Alinsug tallied a career-high 21 points, while Bella Belen chipped in 19 points, including two aces.

“First of all, we’re really happy to get Game 1. This was the most important game, and now we have a few days to prepare for Game 2,” Alinsug said.

Solomon, who was limited to nine points, lauded her teammate’s stellar performance.

“I’m so proud of Ate Vange. I see how hard she works in training. When you give 100 percent there, it really shows on the court.”

Despite the loss, La Salle’s Canino shone with 22 points, while Shevana Laput added 16, built on 11 attacks, four blocks, and an ace.

Game 2 of the best-of-three series is set for Wednesday at the Mall of Asia Arena, where the Lady Bulldogs look to clinch their third title in four seasons, while the Lady Spikers hope to force a decider.