With their top scorer Raymark Woo hobbling with an ankle injury, opposite hitter Cris Dumago provided the offense and led the De La Salle University Green Spikers into the Spikers’ Turf semifinals with a win over the Far Eastern University Tamaraws 20-25, 25-23, 26-24, 21-25, 15-8 at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City.
The Cagayan de Oro-native Dumago led all scorers with 24 points while Arjay Onia and Mike Frey provided 14 and 12 points, respectively. Woo, who sprained his right ankle during practice, received few sets en route to eight points.
After seeing his team blow a 2-1 sets lead earlier in the season, La Salle head coach Nes Pamilar wanted his wards to show the finishing push that winning teams need.
“Sabi ko sa kanila, nasa sitwasyon nanaman ulet tayo na humahabol ang kalaban, ipakita natin na kaya natin tapusin agad ang laban,” said Pamilar.
“Maganda ‘yung ipinakita namin noong fifth set. Pero kailangan pa talaga namin ayusin ‘yung nga error namin. Marami pa masyado.”
After four close sets, La Salle pulled away in the decider with a splendid 8-3 start anchored on effective target serving. A combination play finished by Dumago pushed the Spikers to a massive 11-6 lead which FEU could not cut down.
Sophomore middle hitter JP Bugaoan topped all Tamaraws with 22 points while Spikers’ Turf Open Conference MVP Greg Dolor managed 17 markers.
La Salle finished the elimination round with a 4-1 record, topping a hotly-contested Group A and will face whoever qualifies as the second seed out of Group B between UST and UP. FEU wraps their season up with a 3-2 slate.
The Scores
La Salle (3) – Dumago 24, Onia 14, Frey 12, Del Pilar 8, Woo 8, Asia G. 2, Dimayuga 1, Elorde 1, Marco 1, Bacon 0, Maravilla 0, Movido (L)
FEU (2) – Bugaoan 22, Dolor 17, Garcia 11, Solis 10, Cayaban 8, Silang 4, Quiel 2, Bautista 1, Paler 0, Suarez 0, Marmeto (L)
