Spiral being blocked 1/2 way thru sp1

I just got a 7* Spiral (unawakened r1). I did 2 x practice fights vs. r3 Venom & r3 Vox. I built my fervor & successfully landed a sp1, but both defenders were able to start blocking about 1/2 way thru her sp1. Is this new after the update? Please verify for yourselves, but it enables defender to easily punish my sp1. Any suggestions, other than just going straight to sp2? Thanks.
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