The De La Salle University Lady Spikers remain unbeaten in the second round after breezing past seasons the University of the East Lady Warriors, 25-16, 25-15, 25-9, at the FilOil Flying V Centre.
The win is not only La Salle’s most lopsided of the season, it has also boosted the defending champions to a tie at first place with rivals Ateneo de Manila University Lady Eagles at 9-2, while securing a Final Four berth.
La Salle did not let up the entire match and built up to a dominant third set in which they subbed in their bench players to finish the match.
Desiree Cheng topped a balanced La Salle scoresheet with 10 points, while Kim Fajardo scored nine markers to go with 31 excellent sets.
Clinching his 17th appearance in the Final Four, La Salle head coach Ramil De Jesus lauded the work it took to reach the post-season again.
“Nasa hard work lang talaga at nag-tiyaga yung mga bata para makapasok ng Final Four. Wala namang ibang kailangan gawin kundi paghirapan mo ‘yung mga ganito. Masarap sa pakiramdam, siyempre, kasi isang taon din namin pinaghandaan ‘to,” said De Jesus adding that his team is still on track to reach their goal of a twice-to-beat advantage.
La Salle next take on the University of the Santo Tomas Golden Tigresses (6-4) on Wednesday at the FilOil Flying V Centre.
Shaya Adorador had just six points to lead UE, while Mary Anne Mendrez managed five.
UE (1-10) face the Far Eastern University Lady Tamaraws (5-5) also on Wednesday.
The Scores
DLSU (3) – Cheng 10, Baron 9, Fajardo 9, Dy 8, Tiamzon 7, Layug 3, Ogunsanya 3, Ipac 2, Barroga 1, Cobb 0, Luna 0, Tiu 0, Macandili (L)
UE (0) – Adorador 6, Mendrez 5, Baliton 4, Abil 3, Gabrada 2, Alcayde 1, Catindig 1, Olarve 1, Rodriguez 1, Bendong 0, Clavano 0, Dacaymat 0, Arado (L)