De La Salle University defeated the winless University of the East, 25-22, 25-13, 25-23, to strengthen its hold on second place in the UAAP Season 87 Women’s Volleyball Tournament at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Saturday afternoon.
With their third consecutive win, the Lady Spikers improved their record to 8-3, securing solo second place with a one-game lead over third-ranked University of Santo Tomas (7-4).
“Siguro po yung term na nagpi-peak medyo papunta na po tayo doon. Paunti-unti, inaaral pa rin namin at ng team, lalo na si coach Ramil, kung ano pa yung pwede naming ilabas sa mga susunod na laro,” said La Salle assistant coach Kerth Melliza.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
The Lady Warriors were not to be underestimated, even leading 16-13 in the opening set thanks to the efforts of Khy Cepada and Van Bangayan. However, Shevana Laput and Angel Canino quickly responded for the Lady Spikers.
With UE trailing by just one, 21-22, Laput and Canino helped La Salle close out the set, preventing a potential upset against the winless squad.
In the third set, the Lady Warriors rallied after a tough second set. UE kept it close, staying within a point at 22-23. But Canino delivered a clutch down-the-line hit to give La Salle match point.
Then, despite a smart push shot from Cepada, Laput sealed the victory with a spike down the sidelines, wrapping up the match in one hour and 33 minutes.
“Hindi ko masasabing ito na yung peak namin, pero at the same time, merong mga nalalabas kasing skills namin, merong nalalabas na bago sa’min. Hindi pa ‘to yung peak talaga, hindi ko masasabing ito na yung peak talaga kasi we believe na meron pa kaming more na malalabas,” said Canino, who finished with 16 points, including 12 attacks, three blocks, and an ace, along with six receptions and four digs.
Laput contributed 14 points, while Amie Provido added nine points from five attacks, two blocks, and two service aces.
Jillian Santos, a transfer from the University of Illinois Chicago, also made her mark for the Lady Spikers, contributing six points.
De La Salle will return to action on April 13 to face the University of the Philippines, still at the Big Dome, just before the Lenten break.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
The Lady Warriors, now at 0-11, will continue their search for a win on Wednesday against the defending champion NU Lady Bulldogs at the Philsports Arena in Pasig.
Bangayan finished with 13 points, while Cepada added 11 points and 14 digs.
