De La Salle University continued its dominance over archrival Ateneo de Manila University, securing a 25-21, 25-17, 25-20 victory to strengthen its hold on second place in the UAAP Season 87 Women’s Volleyball Tournament, Wednesday afternoon at the SMART Araneta Coliseum.
All eyes were on Angel Canino, who had to be rushed to the hospital after La Salle’s grueling five-set win against University of Santo Tomas last Saturday.
However, any concerns about her condition were quickly put to rest as the Season 85 Rookie-MVP delivered a stellar performance alongside Shevana Laput, powering the Lady Spikers to their seventh win in 10 matches.
“I’m doing really good and I’m better na po. Binigyan din naman ako ng go signal and nagpahinga rin talaga ako kung anong kailangan na protocol, sinunod ko lang,” said Canino, who tallied 16 points on a 16-of-34 attack efficiency, along with seven excellent digs and six excellent receptions.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
The win gave La Salle a crucial one-game cushion over Far Eastern University, which currently sits in third place with a 6-4 record.
With this victory, La Salle extended its winning streak against Ateneo to 16 matches, dating back to the Season 79 Finals in 2017.
The Lady Spikers also completed a season sweep of the Blue Eagles, following up their four-set triumph in the first round last March 12.
“Actually, ito talaga yung goal namin — na mahawakan yung second [place] hanggang sa dulo para makuha namin yung twice-to-beat advantage. Sana magtuloy-tuloy dahil ito talaga yung isa sa mga goal namin,” said Lady Spikers head coach Ramil de Jesus.
Ateneo made a late push in the third set, closing the gap to 20-18 after a crosscourt hit from AC Miner and an off-the-block attack from Alexa Montoro. However, La Salle quickly regained control as Alleiah Malaluan delivered a clutch off-the-block hit and an ace, followed by a crosscourt strike from Canino to build a 23-18 advantage.
A service error by Montoro and an off-speed attack from Canino sealed the Lady Spikers’ victory.
Earlier, La Salle dominated the second set, pulling away to a 14-10 lead before back-to-back quick hits from Thea Provido and a crosscourt strike from Laput put them firmly in command with a 2-0 set advantage.
In the opening frame, Ateneo stayed within striking distance at 22-20, but Laput’s crosscourt attack and consecutive quick hits from Lilay del Castillo allowed La Salle to take the early lead in the match.
Laput contributed 14 points on 12 attacks and two blocks, along with five excellent digs. Provido added nine points on eight attacks and one block, while Del Castillo scored eight. Malaluan chipped in seven points, seven excellent receptions, and three excellent digs in the win.
Rookie setter Mikole Reyes orchestrated the Lady Spikers’ offense with 19 excellent sets, distributing the ball efficiently not only to Canino and Laput, but also to top middle blockers Provido and Del Castillo.
Meanwhile, Lyka de Leon provided stability on defense with 12 excellent receptions and 11 excellent digs.
La Salle now aims for a third straight victory when it faces the winless and already-eliminated University of the East on Saturday, April 5, at the same venue.
The loss ended Ateneo’s three-game winning streak, keeping the Blue Eagles in sixth place with a 4-6 record.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
Miner led Ateneo’s effort with 13 points on 12 attacks and one block, along with seven excellent digs. Faith Nisperos was limited to nine points on a 9-of-36 attack clip but contributed 14 excellent receptions and five excellent digs.
Zey Pacia added eight points for the Blue Eagles.
Taks Fujimoto dished out 17 excellent sets, while Fiona Arroyo provided 15 excellent receptions and 11 excellent digs for Ateneo.
The Blue Eagles will look to bounce back against the University of Santo Tomas on Saturday at the SMART Araneta Coliseum.
