Returning captain Shevana Laput wasted no time making her presence felt as De La Salle University extended its perfect start in the UAAP Season 88 Collegiate Women’s Volleyball Tournament with a commanding 25-15, 25-20, 25-19 victory over University of the East on Saturday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Back in action after missing the past two matches due to illness, Laput provided stability as the Lady Spikers stretched their unbeaten run to five games, improving to a pristine 5-0 record while collecting their fourth sweep of the tournament.
La Salle’s only non-straight-sets win so far came in a four-set triumph against Ateneo de Manila University.
(C) UAAP Season 86 Media Team
“Pinaalalahanan lang ang team na respeto lang sa kalaban, kaya medyo hindi naging maganda ‘yung outcome, although nanalo. Unang-una, ang dami naming errors, especially services. Kailangan pang magtrabaho,” said La Salle assistant coach Noel Orcullo after the Lady Spikers committed 20 errors, including nine in the second set.
Despite the eventual sweep, UE managed to stay competitive early in the third frame, knotting the score at 14-all.
However, La Salle responded with a decisive 7-2 run sparked by Angel Canino, Ella De Guzman, and Laput to put the match out of reach and seal the victory in one hour and 21 minutes.
“I am so proud of you, Angel. You’re not a co-captain for no reason. We’re doing this together. And of course, I am very proud of the whole team. Honestly, I don’t think they were looking for me. I am just so happy that they rose to the occasion and the opportunity they were given because that adds to their confidence,” said Laput, who finished with nine points and four digs in her return.
For the third straight match, Canino led La Salle in scoring with 12 points built on 10-of-15 attacking and two blocks, while also contributing eight digs and six receptions.
Fresh off a career-high 18-point performance against Ateneo, Lilay Del Castillo continued her strong form with 10 points on 8-of-13 spikes and two blocks, while Laput chipped in nine markers.
Amie Provido added eight points, while rookie setter Shan Nunag orchestrated the offense with 21 excellent sets to go along with four points of her own.
La Salle will next face Adamson University on Wednesday before a highly anticipated Finals rematch with National University next weekend.
(C) UAAP Season 86 Media Team
Meanwhile, UE remained winless at 0-6 and will close out the first round against Ateneo next Saturday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
Khy Cepada paced the Lady Warriors with 14 points and eight excellent receptions, while Bea Zamudio chipped in nine points and 12 receptions. Libero Angge Reyes tallied 14 digs and seven receptions.
UE captain Van Bangayan was limited to three points.
