A set away from defeating their arch-rivals Ateneo, the DLSU Lady Spikers lost their grip in the fourth set and eventually bowed out in the deciding fifth as the Lady Eagles remained unbeaten.
Despite the loss, La Salle skipper Ara Galang continues to stay focused and driven to improve more to reach their ultimate goal, which is to top the women’s volleyball tournament.
The close out set in the marquee game started out close as both teams exchanged leads early. However, in a snap of a finger, the Lady Spikers found themselves facing a 13-8 deficit en route to Ateneo’s seventh straight victory.
With the momentum shifting in full effect for the Blue-and-White squad, Alyssa Valdez poured in the finishing spikes that thwarted La Salle’s chances of a late comeback.
“Siguro talagang naniniwala ako na andun na kami. Kaya naman talaga namin, nagkulang lang kami ng extra work,” Galang explained.
After the heartbreaking setback, Galang shared her positive thoughts on the loss and opened up about how she feels that there’s still a long season ahead.
“Magwork hard pa kami. Kung feeling namin sapat na yung kaya namin, dapat mag push harder pa kami kasi hindi pa namin nakamit yung goal namin. Siyempre hindi pa kami number one,” she stressed.
The fourth year superstar tallied 11 markers- three from service aces- in the showdown to lead La Salle in scoring.
With a break of more than a week before the second round of the volleyball games resumes, Galang thinks her squad has delivered in the first seven games and few adjustments must be made to fortify the team.
Galang added, “For me, nagimprove naman kami (every game in the first round) kailangan lang na i-polish pa para maperfect pa galaw namin come second round.”
The second round of the tournament will begin on January 21, while the second Ateneo versus La Salle game is scheduled on the last elimination game day of the season, February 22, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
