De La Salle University came out swinging, sweeping contender Far Eastern University, 25-19, 25-14, 27-25, in its UAAP Season 88 Women’s Volleyball opener on Saturday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
The Lady Spikers needed a massive fightback in the third set as the Lady Tamaraws threatened to extend the match with a 24-22 set point.
La Salle leaders Angel Canino and Shevana Laput carried the team on their shoulders, delivering back-to-back hits to tie the game at 24.
Two consecutive errors by FEU and La Salle kept the score tied at 25, before Laput slammed two straight kills to seal the win in one hour and 33 minutes.
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
“Ayun nga, nauna ang FEU sa set point. Sinabihan lang ni Coach Ramil ang mga bata na kapitan lang. Ibigay lang ‘yung magagawa nila, ayun, kahit papaano kumapit talaga,” said La Salle deputy coach Noel Orcullo.
Laput, the newly appointed captain, led the Lady Spikers with 23 points on 20-of-41 attacks, two blocks, and one ace. Meanwhile, Canino added 15 points, including nine in the crucial third set.
Rookie playmaker Eshana Nunag also impressed under the bright lights, delivering 12 excellent sets and contributing three points. Amie Provido anchored La Salle’s defense with six blocks, four attacks, and one ace for a total of 11 points.
“Siyempre po, parang nakakakaba kasi freshman po ako, tapos first six na kaagad,” said Nunag.
“Pero with the coaches and ates po, tiwalang-tiwala po ako na hindi po nila ako ipapahamak and gagawin po nila ang lahat for me and for the team. Kaya naa-assure po ako palagi sa loob kahit na nagkakamali.”
La Salle will face another contender in its next game on February 22 against a now full-strength University of Santo Tomas at the same Pasay venue.
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
FEU, meanwhile, will aim to get on the scoreboard on Wednesday against the University of the East at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion.
Gerzel Petallo was the lone Lady Tamaraw in double figures with 11 points. Then Clarisse Loresco and Jaz Ellarina added eight and six points, respectively.
