It only took De La Salle University an hour and 28 minutes to dispatch Adamson University in straight sets to sustain its hot start to Season 84.
Both Jolina Dela Cruz and Alleiah Malaluan led the Green Archers with 12 points apiece but Fifi Sharma also made her presence felt in the middle. The 5-foot-11 blocker provided a lift for the Taft-based squad with eight points and a pair of services aces.
Sharma’s contributions on defense also allowed DLSU to gain a 9-0 advantage in block points.
Against the Lady Falcons, the Lady Spikers didn’t have the start that they wanted as they were caught in a tightly contested first set which ended on a 25-21 decision for DLSU. They eventually managed to bounce back in the ensuing sets to cruise to their second victory of the season.
Though it wasn’t a perfect outing for them from start to finish, Sharma still believes that the team has noticeably improved as compared to their previous performance in the season-opener against Ateneo.
“I agree na the first set was a slow start for us but in the end nakapag-adjust naman kami,” she shared.
“Even compared to our first game, I think we played better this game.”
Sharma is currently playing in her second season for DLSU after her rookie campaign was cut short in Season 82 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Even though she has yet to gain that much experience in playing in the UAAP, she still gets to contribute to the Lady Spikers with her versatility and athleticism which has been a huge boost to the La Salle defense this season.
It shouldn’t come as a surprise, however, as she is the daughter of former PBA player Carlo Sharma after all. Despite carrying a familiar last name and being a second-generation Lasallian student-athlete, the 21-year-old middle blocker insisted that she doesn’t want to let the pressure get to her.
Instead, Sharma wants to let her game do the talking as she aims to continue contributing to the team’s cause this season.
“I think I don’t wanna give myself too much pressure basta we practice every day and we train ayun ‘yung ipapakita ko sa game,” she said.
“I don’t want to put unnecessary pressure on myself.”
After improving to a 2-0 record, the Lady Spikers will now face an acid test in their next game as they go up against another undefeated team in the NU Lady Bulldogs.
Sharma shared that her team is raring to show what they have been working on as they try to keep their record unblemished against a tough opponent next Tuesday.
“Alam naman namin na kaya namin, mag-papractice lang kami and papakita namin kung ano talaga ‘yung tine-training namin,” she continued.
“Lahat kami super excited kami to play kasi gusto namin ipakita kung ano talaga ‘yung pina-practice namin.”
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