MANILA – De La Salle University Lady Spikers inched closer to a twice-to-beat incentive in the UAAP Season 80 women’s volleyball after a 25-23, 25-23, 25-22 win over University of Santo Tomas Golden Tigresses.
Kim Dy finished with 12 points, including four blocks and six digs, while reigning MVP Majoy Baron added 9 points as Lady Spikers stayed on top of the standings (10-2) after the Sunday night match at the San Juan Arena.
Lady Spikers found itself down 19-23 early in Set 1 before banking on Dy’s consecutive points to tie the scores 23-all. An ace by Desiree Cheng and an error by Golden Tigresses’ Cherry Rondina gave the set to DLSU.
La Salle was up early in the second set but UST battled back to force a 21-all count. Back-to-back errors by Golden Tigresses followed by hits by Cheng ended the set for Lady Spikers.
Lady Spikers was on top 21-17 midway in the third set but Golden Tigresses rallied back to come to within 22-23. A block by Dy on Rondina followed by a kill by May Luna closed the match for La Salle.
“Ito iyong isang sakit ng La Salle e. Pagka-long break, pagbalik dito, medyo kinakalawang,” said Lady Spikers mentor Ramil de Jesus.
“Medyo hindi tama. Maraming mga unforced errors na ginagalaw. Parang hindi magkakakilala sa loob,” he added.
In the opening match, National University Lady Bulldogs carved out a 26-24, 26-24, 25-20 victory over also-ran University of the East Lady Warriors to check a five-game skid.
Jaja Santiago finished with 22 points, including three blocks, as Lady Bulldogs assured themselves of a playoff for the remaining Final Four berth./PN
