MANILA – De La Salle University Lady Spikers finally got one over National University Lady Bulldogs with a 25-10, 25-15, 25-21 win in the UAAP Season 85 women’s volleyball on Wednesday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
Marionne Alba was hailed as the Player of the Game as she tossed 20 excellent sets as the Lady Spikers completed a sweep of their seven games in the first round of eliminations.
Bacolodnon rookie Angel Anne Canino led the way with 14 points with eight excellent receptions, Mereophe Sharma added 12 points on 10 attacks, a block, and an ace, while Jolina Dela Cruz produced 11 points to go with 10 digs for DLSU.
The Lady Spikers asserted their might in the first set with two separate 8-0 run to blow NU out, 25-10. DLSU also do the same in the second frame with a 16-8 record en route to a 2-0 set edge.
The Lady Bulldogs were able to keep in step with the Lady Spikers in the third with the score tied at 16-all before Dela Cruz, Alba and Sharma went on a scoring binge to finish the match in straight sets.
“Hindi ko inaasahan na mai-straight sets namin sila,” said DLSU interim coach Noel Orcullo. “Sabi ko sakanila na hindi pwedeng magpapa-intimidate tayo dahil nung last year hindi tayo nakakuha ng set. Sabi ko different team na tayo ngayon.”
Mhicaela Belen was the lone NU player in double digits with 12 points she laced with nine receptions and seven digs, while Alyssa Solomon had eight points. They dropped to 5-2 slate.
Meanwhile, Adamson University Lady Falcons ended the first round eliminations on a positive note by defeating the slumping University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons, 25-18, 25-17, 25-23.
In the third set, with Adamson leading 23-22, Steph Bustrillo made a costly error but quickly made up for it with a down-the-line kill to keep UP alive at 23-24. However, Kate Santiago went off-the-block to secure the win for Adamson.
Santiago was outstanding for Adamson, scoring 16 points on 12 attacks, three blocks, and a service ace. Louie Romero made 18 excellent sets, utilizing all 14 players on the team. They improved to 5-2 record./PN
