Defending champion La Salle University routed University of the Philippines, 25-15, 25-17, 25-18, to stay in second place in the UAAP Season 86 Women’s Volleyball Tournament, Sunday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
It was the Lady Spikers’ fifth straight-set conquest this season, needing only one hour and 34 minutes to pin the Fighting Maroons a fifth consective loss.
Matching National University’s 5-1 record, the victory will serve as a good stead for De La Salle heading into their Saturday’s Finals rematch at the SMART Araneta Coliseum.
University of Santo Tomas remains on top of the standings with a perfect 5-0 slate.
However, deputy coach Noel Orcullo, just like in their straight-sets win over University of the East last time, was still looking for a better, more consistent showing from their players.
“Although straight sets, nakukulangan pa rin kami sa galaw nila, kailangan pang i-polish going to NU’s game next week. We have to work on our lapses, lahat ng dapat i-correct. Kailangan yung connection nandoon pa rin,” said Orcullo.
The Fighting Maroons stayed in striking distance in the first half of all three sets but the Lady Spikers displayed poise and maturity by always ending up with a strong finisher.
Reigning MVP Angel Canino delivered 16 points on 13 attacks, two blocks, and a service ace while also tallying seven digs and four excellent receptions.
“I think yung skills namin nandiyan na po. Yung kulang na lang po talaga ay yung connection saka yung communication namin inside kasi everything was given to us already so I think yun po talaga ang kailangan namin iwork on pa,” said Canino.
Shevana Laput chimed in nine points, Thea Gagate scored eight, while libero Lyka De Leon had 13 digs and nine excellent receptions.
Nobody reached double figures for UP with Joan Monares its leading scorer with nine points and eight excellent receptions.
UP’s next game will be on Wednesday against the undefeated University of Santo Tomas, still at the bayside Pasay venue.
