La Salle eliminates UST, nears elims sweep in UAAP 76 women’s volleyball

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MANILA, Philippines — La Salle stayed on track for an outright finals berth with a 25-23, 25-19, 25-19 win, eliminating University of Santo Tomas in the process in UAAP Season 76 women’s volleyball tournament on Saturday.

With two matches left, the elimination round sweep is nearing reality as the Lady Spikers stretched their unbeaten run to 12 games this season and 28 dating back to December of 2012.

After a tight first set, 25-23, La Salle took total control from the second set onwards and barely gave the Tigresses room for momentum.

The third set would’ve likewise ended early had the Lady Spikers not given the Tigresses eight points towards the end solely from miscues.

Denice Tan finished the match with a kill for La Salle.

Lady Spikers’ head coach Ramil de Jesus emphasized that he wanted to avoid complacency as his team was now close to realizing its goal of a sweep.

“We need to persevere more and remain focused. Our goal is to get that sweep,” he said.

Ara Galang led La Salle with 18 points, including three service aces and two blocks, while Mika Reyes had two blocks for an 11-hit outing.

On the verge of bidding their campaign goodbye, the Tigresses put up tough fight in the opening set but eventually faded in the next two sets.

Pam Lastimosa and Carmela Tunay combined for 20 markers for the Tigresses, the 14-time titlist who will miss the final four for the second consecutive season.