The De La Salle University – Dasmariñas (DLSU-D) Lady Patriots arrested its three game losing streak and earned its first win of the Shakey’s V-League Open Conference at the expense of the San Sebastian College – Recoletos (SSC-R) Lady Stags 27-25, 26-24, 25-20 at the FilOil Flying V Arena.
In contrast to usual straight set wins, the Lady Patriots’ relatively quick win came after several difficult stretches in the match. In the first set, DLSU-D team captain Iumi Yongco converted an open hit that trimmed the SSC lead down to one, 14-15. However, the Caviteña landed awkwardly and went down due to cramping on her right leg. In her absence, the girls from Recto pulled away and built a 23-20 lead off multiple DLSU-D errors. The Caviteñas then struck back and forced a deuce; which, after two set points, they won thanks to attacks from Iumi Yongco and Cherry Nunag.
The second set saw a much more back-and-forth battle with neither team taking a lead of more than two points. Baste struggled with their attacks while the Lady Pats had nightmares on their reception. The set ultimately boiled down to another deuce which Dasma again claimed courtesy of an SSC error followed by an off-the-block hit from Iumi Yongco.
DLSU-D was finally able to build a decisive lead in the third set. With guest setter, Gyzelle Sy at the service line, the reigning NCRAA champs rattled off five straight points to take a 17-12 lead. From there, DLSU-D clasped on to their lead and finished the match with Nunag and Dadang attacks.
Yongco topped the DLSU-D scoring order with 13 points followed by Nunag’s 11 then Desiree Dadang’s 10. SSC open hitter, Jolina Labiano was the only Lady Stag to score in double digits with 14 markers.
“Basically ‘yung mga hindi namin nagagawa noong unang mga laro inayos lang namin sa ensayo. Mabuti na lang nakapag-excute kami ngayon,” said DLSU-D head coach, Raymond Ramirez.
Both DLSU-D and SSC finished the match with 1-3 records. Depending on how TIP’s match tomorrow and next week’s matches go, TIP, DLSU-D, and SSC could find themselves in virtual triple tie for the final playoff slot.
On Sunday, August 9, The Lady Patriots will face the Benilde Lady Blazers while SSC goes toe-to-toe with the UST Lady Tigresses.
The Scores
DLSU-D (3) – Yongco 13, Nunag 11, Dadang 10, Delfin 6, Sy 5, Delfin 3, Galicia 1, Tiangco 0, Navidad 0, Amutan (L)
SSC (0) – Labiano 14, Dalisay 8, Lim 5, Sinamban 4, Villegas 3, Sta. Rita 3, Cruz 0, Encarnacion 0, Soltones (L)
