De La Salle University asserted its dominance over archrival Ateneo de Manila University, 25-13, 25-12, 25-18, to clinch the top seed and stay on track for an elimination round sweep in the UAAP Season 88 Collegiate Women’s Volleyball Tournament on Saturday afternoon at the FilOil Centre in San Juan.
The trio of Angel Canino, Amie Provido, and Lilay del Castillo led the charge as the Lady Spikers extended their unbeaten run to 12 straight matches, securing the top seed and moving two wins away from completing a rare elimination round sweep that would earn them an outright Finals berth.
The victory also underscored La Salle’s long-standing mastery of Ateneo, marking its 18th head-to-head win over the Blue Eagles in UAAP women’s volleyball since Season 79 on May 2, 2017.
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
Standing in the Lady Spikers’ way of a first elimination round sweep since Season 76 (2014) are the winless University of the East Lady Warriors this Wednesday, April 15, at the UST Quadricennial Pavilion, and defending champions National University Lady Bulldogs on Sunday, April 19, at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
Ateneo briefly held a 15-14 lead in the third set before La Salle regained control to close out the one-hour and 18-minute match.
“Yun nga, medyo nung third set, medyo nag-relax. Nawala sa focus yung mga bata. Hopefully, huwag nang mangyari ‘yon sa susunod. ‘Yon naman palagi namin pinapaalala sa kanila na laging yung focus, hindi mawala. Hangga’t maaari, tapusin kung kaya tapusin nang mabilis. Doon sa times na nawawala sa focus, at pag alam nilang lamang, nagre-relax. Kailangan lang huwag alisin yung focus sa game,” Lady Spikers assistant coach Noel Orcullo said.
The Lady Spikers finished the match with a dominant 11-3 run, capped by attacks from Canino, Shane Reterta, and Del Castillo, as well as a Zey Pacia attack error to complete the sweep.
After a commanding first-set win, La Salle carried its momentum into the second frame, racing to a 7-0 start and never looking back. A Canino attack, a Provido quick hit, and a Dominique Caringal ace pushed Ateneo into a 2-0 set deficit.
Canino finished with 15 points on 13 attacks and two blocks, alongside nine excellent receptions and three excellent digs, while Provido added 12 points on eight attacks, three blocks, and one ace. Del Castillo contributed nine points on six attacks, two blocks, and one ace.
Team captain Shevana Laput also scored nine points to go along with nine excellent digs, while Reterta chipped in six points, four excellent digs, and three excellent receptions.
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
Meanwhile, the loss sent Ateneo to its fifth consecutive defeat, dropping to a 1-11 record ahead of its clash against UE on Saturday, April 18, at the same UST venue.
Rookie hitter Ana Hermosura was the lone Blue Eagle in double figures with 10 points on nine attacks and one ace, along with eight excellent receptions and six excellent digs.
Montoro added seven points, 10 excellent receptions, and six excellent digs, while Tsunashima finished with six points.
