De La Salle University showed its endgame poise in the first and third sets to dump Far Eastern University, 30-28, 25-12, 28-26, to stay pristine in the UAAP Season 85 women’s volleyball tournament at the SM Mall of Asia Arena, Wednesday.
With the win, the 9-0 Lady Spikers have also secured at least a playoff for a Final Four spot.
But De La Salle had to work hard to remain undefeated, encountering heavy opposition from the Lady Tamaraws.
After a lopsided second frame, FEU regained its fire in the third but Jolina Dela Cruz’s crosscourt shot and Jovelyn Fernandez’s attack error gave the Lady Spikers the win, 28-26.
“Yung first set we started flat. Niremind lang namin sila kung bakit nawawala tayo sa sistema. Iba yung ginagalaw niyo sa pinractice natin,” said Lady Spikers assistant coach Noel Orcullo.
In the first period, it was Angel Canino’s heroics that allowed De La Salle to escape, coming through with back-to-back hits for the 30-28 count.
Canino was spectacular with 16 points, 15 excellent receptions, and 14 digs, while Dela Cruz made 13 points and 14 digs.
Thea Gagate added 11 points while Jyne Soreño stepped up with eight points for opposite spiker Leila Cruz, who suffered an ACL injury on her right knee in their previous game against National University.
The Lady Tamaraws slipped to 4-5, still at fifth but are just half a game ahead of Ateneo de Manila University.
Chenie Tagaod delivered 13 points in the losing cause while Alyzza Devosora got 10 points.
Captain Shiela Kiseo made a good impression as a libero with 15 excellent receptions and nine digs.
Both teams will be back on the floor on Sunday at the SMART Araneta Coliseum.
FEU will try to bounce back against University of the East at 12 pm while De La Salle will go for 10-0 against University of Santo Tomas at 2 pm.
