MANILA, Philippines—Save for a second set hiccup, La Salle was furious in the 25-15, 25-23, 25-12 victory over University of the Philippines Saturday in the UAAP season 76 women’s volleyball competition.
The three-peat seeking Lady Spikers moved to within three wins of securing an outright finals berth, which grants a tremendous thrice-to-beat advantage.
But La Salle head coach Ramil De Jesus said that sweeping the elimination round was still far from his mind.
“If we get there, and then that’s good for us. But we’re still far from that,” said De Jesus. “We still have a lot to go through, lot of traps, and challenges.”
After dropping a set for the first time this season last Wednesday to, this time, it was the Lady Maroons that tested the Lady Spikers’ mettle, taking a 2-8 lead in the second set.
La Salle, though, got its bearing back quickly as UP simple could not get the job done.
Ara Galang fired 17 points, including three service aces for La Salle, while last season’s co-Most Valuable Player Abi Maraño added 11 points, including two blocks, and seven digs.
Angeli Araneta and Katherine Bersola combined for 21 points for the Lady Maroons, who dropped to 1-11.