De La Salle University asserted its dominance over archrival Ateneo de Manila University, winning 25-22, 25-19, 25-18, and securing the top seed in the UAAP Season 85 women’s volleyball tournament at the SM Mall of Asia Arena on Sunday.
This victory marked the Lady Spikers’ 12th consecutive win against the Blue Eagles, a streak that has lasted for six years and is ongoing.
The last time Ateneo defeated De La Salle was on April 8, 2017 (Season 79 second round), with a 12-25, 25-20, 25-21, 25-19 victory.
“Medyo slow start kami eh, so pinaalala lang namin na play with pride. Hindi tayo pupwedeng nagre-relax dahil yung Ateneo lumalaban,” said Lady Spikers assistant coach Noel Orcullo
When Ateneo closed the gap to 21-19, De La Salle’s blocking came into play, denying three consecutive attempts – one from Jolina Dela Cruz and two from Thea Gagate. Then Shevana Laput’s drop ball secured the second frame for her team, 25-19.
A late surge by Fifi Sharma, Gagate, and Laput propelled the Lady Spikers in the third set, turning a close 18-16 lead into a 25-18 victory to end the match in just one hour and 35 minutes.
Six-foot-two rookie Laput scored a new career-high of 16 points with an impressive 15-of-25 attack rate. Meanwhile, Angel Canino provided backup with 13 points, 11 excellent receptions, and five digs.
Gagate dominated with five of De La Salle’s 10 blocks, finishing with 12 points. Dela Cruz contributed eight points and 11 receptions.
With this win, the Lady Spikers improved to a 12-1 record, while the Blue Eagles fell to sixth place with a 4-9 record.
In the losing effort, Vanie Gandler tallied 13 points, seven receptions, and four digs. Faith Nisperos added 12 points, including three service aces.
Both teams will conclude their elimination round campaigns on Saturday, with Ateneo facing National University and De La Salle meeting the University of the East.
