Defending champion De La Salle University outlasted National University, 15-25, 25-19, 18-25, 25-19, 15-12, in a thrilling rematch of last year’s UAAP women’s volleyball tournament Finals before 13,848 fans at the SMART Araneta Coliseum on Saturday.
Shevana Laput had 20 points, including the match-sealing kill that lifted the Lady Spikers in closing the first round with a 6-1 record.
“We definitely have to fight for it. I’m thankful that my teammates put that trust on me,” said Laput.
The Lady Bulldogs, who drew 21 points from Alyssa Solomon and a 20-point, 20-dig outing by former MVP Bella Belen, dropped to 5-2.
Reigning MVP Angel Canino added 17 points, including two service aces, and seven digs while Em Provido had five blocks for a 14-point outing for La Salle.
“Hindi magiging madali ang laban natin. Ang sabi ko sa kanila all-out tayo huwag tayong bibitaw kahit nakakalamang ang kalaban. Basta patuloy lang kayo sa sistema na ginagawa natin,” said Lady Spikers assistant coach Noel Orcullo.
Alleiah Malaluan also came through for La Salle with 12 points.
Meanwhile, captain-playmaker Julia Coronel had 22 excellent sets and five points, including four kill blocks.
Vange Alinsug completed the Lady Bulldogs’ “triangle arsenal” with 19 points in the two-hour, 19-minute affair.
However, they lacked contributions from other players.
