MANILA – De La Salle University Lady Spikers vented its ire on the University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons with a 25-15, 25-16, 25-16 beating in the UAAP Season 85 women’s volleyball on Sunday at the Philsports Arena in Pasig.
Bacolodnon Angel Canino led the way with 17 points on 13-of-26 attacks, two blocks, and two aces, while Thea Gagate provided 11 points as the Lady Spikers strengthened its hold of the top spot with 10-1 record.
Meanwhile, 6-foot-1 opposite spiker Shevana Laput also proved her worth in her first start for De La Salle with nine points, while Mereophe Sharma and Jolina Dela Cruz made six points apiece.
After seeing their winning streak snapped by the University of Santo Tomas Golden Tigresses before the Holy Week, the Lady Spikers were blazing against the Fighting Maroons with lopsided wins in the first two sets.
The Lady Spikers, however, were tested by the Fighting Maroons in the third frame as they were just up by four at 19-15 before pulling away as UP committed three errors while Jyne Soreño and Ilongga Amie Provido connected as well to finish the match
“After the game nung sa UST, yun din yung sinabi sa kanila (players) na kahit papaano makaranas kung paano babangon. Kailangan big bounce back ba. At least, they showed it,” said De La Salle assistant coach Noel Orcullo.
Stephanie Bustrillo was the lone bright spot for the Fighting Maroons with 10 points while Niña Ytang chipped in nine markers. The school suffered their 10th defeat in 11 matches so far.
Meanwhile, defending champions National University Lady Bulldogs put a dent in Far Eastern University Lady Tamaraws’ Final Four hopes with a 25-21, 25-14, 25-23 straight set victory.
Alyssa Solomon top-scored with 18 points while reigning MVP awardee Mhicaela Belen and rookie Evangeline Alinsug chimed in 14 and 12 points, respectively, for the Lady Bulldogs.
With the victory, the Lady Bulldogs remained tied with the Golden Tigresses and Adamson University Lady Falcons with 8-3 slate, while the Lady Tamaraws dropped to 5-6./PN
