Loss welcomes veteran De Leon’s return to Lady Bulldogs

A familiar setter returned to National University but her comeback did not save the Lady Bulldogs against Ateneo in the quarterfinals of the Shakey’s V-League Collegiate Conference.

Rubie De Leon made her first appearance for the 2013 champions Saturday at San Juan Arena but the Lady Eagles shook off the first set loss and took the next three sets for a 15-25, 25-19, 25-21, 25-23 victory.

READ: Ateneo repulses NU to stay unscathed in V-League; Valdez drops 28

“Our receive didn’t work and once your receiving game doesn’t work you won’t go anywhere,” De Leon said.

Lady Bulldogs head coach tabbed De Leon two weeks ago to play for the Lady Bulldogs hoping the veteran setter reprises her role in the 2013 title.

De Leon said she did not take much adjustment with the team as she has played with the NU core before.

READ: NU-Ateneo V-League match ‘felt like UAAP’ for Alyssa Valdez

What she does bring is another voice of leadership to the floor.

“What coach says I relay to the team, like positive messages of ‘you can do it’ and what not,” De Leon said. “I’m here to elevate their character.”