The rivalry between De La Salle University and Ateneo de Manila University in UAAP women’s volleyball has turned into a one-sided affair for the past 13 match-ups.
The last time the Blue Eagles won against the Lady Spikers in the UAAP was back on April 8, 2017 – a 12-25, 25-20, 25-21, 25-19 victory in the second round of Season 79.
Since then, La Salle has dominated the next 13 games – including Saturday night’s main event.
Off a stunning loss to University of Santo Tomas, the Lady Spikers put all their frustrations on their rivals. They scored a rousing 25-12, 25-22, 25-19 triumph at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
But for head coach Ramil de Jesus, maybe it was just a matter of destiny siding with them this time around.
“Ako hindi ko naman tinitingnan yun record against Ateneo. Kung sino naman yung dumating sa amin, paghahandaan namin either Ateneo, UST, FEU. Lahat ng schools para sa amin big game sa amin yun,” said the 12-time champion coach.
“Kung nataon lang na ganon kahaba yung winning tradition namin doon sa Ateneo, siguro hindi pa lang ito yung time para siguro manalo sila sa amin.”
In their clash this first round of Season 86, La Salle dominated the crowd as well.
With 6,477 fans in attendance, it was predominantly green inside the bayside Pasay venue.
De Jesus, however, praised the rebuilding Blue Eagles for how they fought and showed some promise against the defending champions.
“Actually maganda. Very promising yung team nila, hindi mo pwedeng biru-biruin,” said the member of the 300-win club.
“Kailangan talaga every set paghandaan mo, magbigay ka ng respeto kahit sila bata.”
The Lady Spikers had some anxious moments in the second set after taking a strong 25-12 first frame as the Blue Eagles forged a tie late at 22-all.
Fortunately, Shevana Laput and Angel Canino delivered the goods for La Salle to close out that set – and ultimately, the game – in just one hour and 18 minutes.
