Behind a resurgent effort from their seniors, the De La Salle University Lady Spikers edged the Far Eastern University Lady Tamaraws in five heated sets, 25-17, 21-25, 16-25, 25-20, 15-5, at the FilOil Flying V Centre.
After blitzing the Lady Tamaraws in the first, La Salle’s offense went cold and allowed FEU to stroll to a 2-1 sets lead. La Salle head coach Ramil De Jesus was quick to point out the sudden dip of his veteran’s effort in the two sets they lost.
“Actually noong second at third set, nawala ‘yung veterans, walang magbubhat ng team kung hirap tayo sa adjustment ng FEU. So noong dumating ‘yung fourth and fifth, dapat naka-adjust na tayo,” De Jesus thought.
Heeding their coach’s call, the Lady Spikers’ core kept them alive. The fourth set came down to a spirited rally led by Desiree Cheng and Majoy Baron that broke a 17-all deadlock and pushed La Salle ahead, 21-17. Cheng and Baron also provided the finishing touches, making back-to-back plays at the net that extended the match to a decider.
By the fifth frame, the Lady Spikers had all the momentum on their side as FEU crumbled under pressure. Similar to how they started the match, La Salle opened the fifth set with a 5-0 run, but did not let FEU sniff the lead.
“Fifth set kasi kung sino kakapit sa momentum ‘yun ang mananaig. ‘Yung confidence makukuha mo, good thing sa side namin napunta noong dulo,” De Jesus thought.
Baron and graduating opposite hitter Kianna Dy provided 18 points apiece while Desiree Cheng added 10 markers.
The Lady Spikers (8-2) take on the UE Lady Warriors (2-7) on Saturday at the FilOil Flying V Centre.
Bernadeth Pons towed FEU with 16 points and 12 excellent receptions while Toni Basas managed 12 markers.
The Lady Tamaraws (6-4) take on the UP Lady Maroons (3-6) also on Saturday.
The Scores
DLSU (3) – Baron 18, Dy 18, Cheng 10, Tiamzon 9, Ogunsanya 5, Ipac 4, Cobb 1, Layug 1, Luna 1, Macandili (L)
FEU (2) – Pons 16, Basas 12, Carandang 11, Domingo 11, Malabanan 6, Negrito 6, Guino-o 1, Hernandez 1, Agudo 0, Villareal 0, Atienza (L)
