Shaking off a signature slow start, the DLSU Lady Spikers staved off a feisty AdU Lady Falcons squad, 25-23, 24-26, 25-14, 25-17, at the San Juan Arena.
Featuring several surprising lineup changes, the Lady Falcons seemingly caught the Lady Spikers off guard. The Lady Falcons led the entire first set, taking full advantage of all of DLSU’s miscues and holding on to the lead for much of the set, up until the Spikers made a run late to clinch it. With the Lady Falcons holding a 21-15 lead, DLSU turned the tables abruptly on AdU, scoring eight consecutive points then eventually claiming the set.
Adamson sprang on the Lady Spikers to start the second set, blazing to a 10-1 lead behind the streaky Amanda Villanueva. La Salle eventually climbed back to tie the game at 16 all. The teams traded blows, forcing a deuce in which Gemma Gallanza ended with a beautiful serve that kissed the court’s baseline to notch the set for the Lady Falcons, the first they have won against DLSU since Season 71.
From there, La Salle made all the necessary adjustments, shutting down Adamson’s main scoring options and feeding the ball to Ara Galang, who spiked the lights out of the Lady Falcons. The Spikers dominated the final sets with exquisite blocking and spiking. The Spikers ended the match with 14 total block points, and forced AdU to 28 errors.
La Salle captain, Galang scored her career high 27 points off 22 spikes and 5 blocks. DLSU rookie, Camille Cruz was subbed in during the second set and pitched in 10 points in her debut. Adamson’s Villanueva did her best Bang Pineda impression with 16 points and 10 digs. Mylene Paat looked comfortable in her new position. Playing the opposite hitter position, Paat amassed 15 points with 2 blocks and 3 aces. Last season’s captain, Len Cortel transitioned well into her surprising conversion to a Libero, notching 12 receptions.
The scores:
DLSU- Galang 27, Cruz 10, Reyes 9, Cheng 6, Fajardo 5, Dy 5, Soyud 5, Cerveza 3, Baron 1
AdU- Villanueva 16, Paat 15, Galanza 13, Guevarra 5, Alkuino 5, Emnas 3
