Still-perfect De La Salle University secured the first Final Four ticket in the UAAP Season 88 Collegiate Women’s Volleyball Tournament after dominating University of the Philippines, 25-15, 25-18, 25-20, on Sunday at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion.
But bigger goals await the Lady Spikers, even as they raised their unbeaten record to 10-0.
La Salle is making its 16th consecutive postseason appearance, never missing one since Season 71 (2008-2009).
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
“Sa akin kasi, basta may dumating, magpi-prepare lang kami every game. Kung ano man ang standing namin, secondary na lang ’yon, result na lang ’yon. Basta sabi ko lang sa mga bata, maghanda lang tayo, bigyan ng respeto ang bawat kalaban, although nadaanan na natin nung first round,” said long-time Lady Spikers head coach Ramil de Jesus.
It was another dominant performance for La Salle, which also swept UP in the first round, 25-12, 25-15, 25-19.
Niña Ytang, Jelai Gajero, and Kianne Olango tried to lift the Fighting Maroons in the third set, trailing by just one point late, 19-20.
However, Lilay del Castillo and Angel Canino combined for a 5-1 La Salle run to seal the victory in one hour and 24 minutes.
“Honestly, hindi naman po ako ganoon ka-parang mature pa. Kahit na yun po yung nakakita po ng iba. Dahil lang din po siya sa tulong po ng coaches and ates,” said rookie Eshana Nunag, who delivered 15 excellent sets along with two points, continuing to play beyond her years.
Team captain Shevana Laput was ultra-efficient, scoring 16 points on 14-of-24 attacks with two blocks, while Canino contributed 15 points on 13-of-22 spikes.
Amie Provido added 10 points, including four attacks, four blocks, and two aces, while Shane Reterta and Lilay Del Castillo recorded nine and eight points, respectively.
La Salle’s spiking efficiency proved decisive, hitting 46-of-85 compared to the Fighting Maroons’ 30-of-93.
La Salle will aim to extend its unbeaten streak to 11-0 on April 8 against Far Eastern University at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
Gajero and Ytang scored nine points each for the Fighting Maroons, who fell to 4-6 in sixth place.
Olango contributed seven points as UP continues to find the right mix amid injuries to key spikers Casiey Dongallo and Joan Monares.
UP will look to bounce back on April 8 against Ateneo de Manila University, also at the Pasay venue.
