La Salle Lady Spikers clinch berth in UAAP women’s volleyball semis

MANILA, Philippines—A gritty La Salle squad defeated a pesky Far Eastern University side, 25-17, 25-16, 25-23 in the UAAP Season 75 women’s volleyball tournament Sunday at the Arena in San Juan.

The Lady Archers extended their winning streak to 10, clinched a semifinals berth and halted the streaking Lady Tamaraws, who entered Sunday’s match with a five-game win streak in hand.

La Salle leaned, once again, on its solid blocking to neutralize FEU’s commendable floor defense. The reigning titlist scored on nine blocks, with reigning MVP Abigail Maraño and Wensh Tiu contributing two apiece.

Tiu paced the Lady Archers with 17 points, including the go-ahead hit that put them at match-point in a tough third set.

“They had a good service and receive, they (Lady Tamaraws) played well. We used our blocking and experience to win,” said Lady Archers mentor Ramil de Jesus in Filipino.

Maraño added 12 hits and Ara Galang tallied 11 hits and 12 digs for La Salle.

“We knew we shouldn’t relax against FEU because they need a win and they will fight back,” de Jesus added.

Rosemarie Vargas and Mayjorie Roxas had eight hits apiece for the Lady Tamaraws, who fell to 6-5 and to a three-way tie with National University, and University of Santo Tomas.

FEU seized the lead and put on a tough stand to extend the game, but Vargas’ down the line hit went wide, giving the Lady Archers the win.