Following their first losing streak since the UAAP Season 77 Women’s Volleyball Tournament, the De La Salle University Lady Spikers got back on track, bagging their fourth win of UAAP Season 81 after thrashing the University of the East Lady Warriors, 25-18, 25-20, 25-18, at the FilOil Flying V Centre.
La Salle quickly took a decisive lead in the first set before being forced into gritty exchanges in the next two frames. The Lady Spikers erased a 12-5 UE start and broke away late as Jolina Dela Cruz served three aces that pushed her team to a 23-18 lead.
The Lady Spikers again broke away late in the third frame with May Luna hopping off the bench and serving three aces that gave them an insurmountable 23-17 cushion.
Veteran winger Tin Tiamzon, who made her first start of the season, tallied 10 points. The Fil-Canadian open hitter said that the team focused on today’s match rather than dwell on their two losses.
“Sabi ni coach Ramil (De Jesus) na kalimutan na namin ‘yung past games, hindi kami ‘yun so focus lang kami against UE and kung paano kami mananalo against them,” said Tiamzon.
Rookie Jolina Dela Cruz led the Lady Spikers with 14 points while transferee Des Clemente played her best match in the UAAP with eight points. La Salle played without captain Des Cheng who rest3d an injured right shoulder. May Luna was limited due to her swollen face.
Judith Abil and Zilfa Olarve each managed eight points. Libero Kath Arado provided 21 digs and 10 excellent receptions.
La Salle (4-2) take on the Far Eastern University Lady Tamaraws (3-2) in a rematch of last year’s Finals on Sunday. Meanwhile, UE (1-5) face the University of Santo Tomas Tigresses (3-2) on Saturday. Both matches will be at the FilOil Flying V Centre.
The Scores
DLSU (3) – Dela Cruz 14, Tiamzon 10, Clemente 8, Ogunsanya 7, Alba 4, Luna 4, Cobb 2, Saga (L)
UE (0) – Abil 8, Olarve 8, Rodriguez 5, Gabarda 3, Alcayde 2, Baliton 1, Bendong 1, Babol 0, Calavano 0, Manabat 0, Arado (L)
