MANILA – De La Salle University Lady Spikers showed their dominance even with a rejigged roster after a 25-14, 25-17, 16-25, 25-19 win over Ateneo Lady Eagles in UAAP Season 81 women’s volleyball on Sunday night at SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
Desiree Cheng led the way with 13 points, 14 excellent receptions and nine digs for the Lady Spikers, which tied University of the Philippines Lady Maroons, Far Eastern University Lady Tamaraws and University of Santo Tomas Golden Tigresses at 1-0.
Rookie Jolina Dela Cruz and May Luna chipped in 11 markers apiece, while Ilongga Aduke Ogunsaya submitted 10 markers for the three-time defending champions Lady Spikers.
The Lady Spikers went to a fiery start in the opening period as they lead 16-10 on back-to-back hits by Ogunsaya. Errors from the Lady Eagles side allowed the Lady Spikers to widen its lead further.
Both teams were into tight exchange early in the second set with the Lady Eagles up 8-6 but the Lady Spikers took the edge into the second technical timeout at 16-15. DLSU unloaded a 7-2 run capped by a hit from Luna for a 2-0 set edge.
After losing the third set, the Lady Spikers recovered in the fourth with an 8-4 lead behind Luna and Ogunsaya. The Lady Eagles rallied to within 15-19 but DLSU came up with shots from Norielle Ipac and Cheng to preserve the win.
Kat Tolentino tallied 16 points, including 13 attacks, while Bea De Leon and Julia Samonte added eight and seven markers, respectively, for the Lady Eagles./PN
