Coming off their best performance of the season, the De La Salle University Green Spikers overwhelmed the also-ran University of the East Lady Warriors, 25-17, 25-16, 25-19, in UAAP Season 81 at the FilOil Flying V Centre.
The Lady Spikers improved their record to 10-3, one game ahead of the UST Golden Tigresses (9-4) for the second seed. La Salle can clinch the second seed with a win in their final elimination round match against the FEU Lady Tamaraws (8-5) on Sunday, also at the FilOil Flying V Centre.
La Salle broke away from a 12-all tie in the first set, going on a 13-5 run to close out the Lady Warriors. The Lady Spikers’ run came earlier in the second set as they grabbed a 17-10 advantage.
UE controlled the third set early until their own errors and bad passes led to a 21-17 La Salle lead. The Lady Spikers then finished off UE with attacks from Des Cheng.
“Lahat naman ng teams na makalaban namin, same ang preparation namin, same ang treatment namin,” said La Salle head coach Ramil De Jesus.
“Sabi ko nga sa mga players ko na nothing to lose na ‘yung UE, so iba ang lalaruin nila. Kailangan namin ma-match ‘yun,” he added.
Rookie Jolina Dela Cruz and veteran Aduke Ogunsanya each provided 10 points for La Salle.
Judith Abil led all scorers with 16 points, but was the lone Lady Warrior in double-digits.
UE (3-10) end their season on Sunday against top seed Ateneo de Manila University Lady Eagles (10-2) at the FilOil Flying V Centre.
The Scores
DLSU (3) – Dela Cruz 10, Ogunsanya 10, Tiamzon 9, Cheng 8, Clemente 8, Cobb 3, Hatulan 2, Ipac 2, Alba 1, Luna 1, Saga (L)
UE (0) – Abil 16, Rodriguez 7, Baliton 5, Alcayde 4, Olarve 3, Bendong 1, Gabarda 1, Babol 0, Sta. Maria 0, Arado (L)
