MANILA – De La Salle University Lady Spikers relied on the career game of Angel Canino to take down Adamson University Lady Falcons, 25-17, 25-27, 23-25, 25-23, 15-9, in the UAAP Season 85 women’s volleyball at the SM Mall of Asia Arena on Wednesday.
The Bacolod City-native rookie unleashed a career-high 28 points on 22 attacks, five blocks, and a service ace she laced with 19 excellent receptions, and six digs as the Lady Spikers improved to 11-1 to formally clinch a twice-to-beat advantage.
Thea Gagate also set her new career-best with 22 points on 19 spikes and three blocks, while Jolina Dela Cruz added double-double 21 points and 13 receptions for the Lady Spikers.
Adamson opened the fifth frame with back-to-back points but that was it as the Lady Spikers punished their foes from all departments and scored eight unanswered points, 8-2, behind Canino, Shevana Laput and Dela Cruz.
“Buti na lang kumapit at least nakuha sa tiyaga, sabi nga namin tiyagain lang, gapangin natin. Lamang sila ng set? Gapangin natin. Nag-respond naman sila nung fifth set,” said Lady Spikers assistant coach Noel Orcullo.
Kate Santiago paced the Lady Falcons with 21 points while Trisha Tubu chipped in 18 points, and Lucille Almonte contributed 13 points, 18 receptions, and 13 digs for the Lady Falcons, now at fourth with 8-4 slate.
Meanwhile, Far Eastern University Lady Tamaraws kept its Final Four hopes alive by defeating Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eagles for the second time this season, 25-21, 25-11, 22-25, 25-21.
The Lady Tamaraws improved to 6-6 and now need to win their remaining matches against University of Santo Tomas Golden Tigresses and the Lady Falcons to remain in the running for semis.
“We really want to win our remaining games. If we make it to the Final Four, that’s a blessing, but right now our focus is to maximize our time in UAAP and win,” said FEU head coach Tina Salak.
Chenie Tagaod led FEU with 15 points on 12 attacks, two aces, and a block, while Jovs Fernandez contributed 12 points. Alyzza Devosora tallied nine points, 11 receptions, and nine digs./PN
