MANILA – Alleiah Malaluan delivered timely hits as De La Salle University Lady Spikers scored a 26-24, 25-19, 24-26, 27-25 victory over the University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons in the UAAP Season 86 women’s volleyball on Thursday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
After a disastrous meltdown in the third set where they lost a 17-7 lead, the Lady Spikers trailed in the fourth set at 22-24 before Malaluan stepped up with three consecutive points to tie the score at 25-all.
Negrense Maicah Larroza then send the Lady Spikers at match point with a backrow conversion before Julia Coronel completed the tight victory with a block on the Fighting Maroons’ attack.
Malaluan finished the game with 17 points, on 16 attacks and a service ace, as the defending champions Lady Spikers moved closer to sealing a Final Four seat with 8-1 win-loss slate.
Shevana Laput led the way for the Lady Spikers with 21 points, built on 18 attacks, two blocks, and a service ace, Larroza contributed 12 markers off the bench and Baby Jyne Soreno ended with 10 points.
“There is really a need for me to step up, and I am glad that my coaches and teammates have their trust on me,” said Laput. “We do not know how long Angel (Canino) will be out so I am just doing what I need to do to win.”
Canino, the reigning UAAP women’s volleyball tournament MVP, missed the Lady Spikers match against the Fighting Maroons after reportedly sustaining an injury outside of volleyball.
“Siguro nabigla ‘yung mga bata kasi wala si Angel,” said Lady Spikers assistant coach Noel Orcullo. “Sinabihan naman namin sila na kung sinoman ang papalit sa puwesto ni Angel maging ready dapat.”
“’Yung meltdown namin nung third set, kagagawan din namin ‘yun because of our errors,” he added. “Siguro ‘yun ang kailangan naming i-address in our upcoming matches.”
Aklanon Irah Anika Jaboneta finished with 18 points, on 17 attacks and a block, Stephanie Bustrillo added 16 markers, while Bacolodnon Joan Marie Monares and Nina Ytang ended with 10 each as the Fighting Maroons dropped to 1-9./PN
