La Salle Lady Spikers. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
De La Salle University showed veteran composure and trumped University of the Philippines, 18-25, 25-12, 25-18, 25-21, to get a share of top spot in the UAAP Women’s Volleyball Tournament Wednesday at San Juan Arena.
The Lady Maroons made the Lady Spikers pay for their slow start to take the first set, but a single momentum swing was what the ladies in green needed to take the match and tie Ateneo with an 8-2 record.
Ara Galang converted on back-to-back crosscourt attacks to give La Salle the 24-20 match point before Jewel Lai’s erratic pass went straight to the net giving the Lady Spikers the victory.
La Salle head coach Ramil De Jesus knew UP, with its core composed of rookies, would challenge them skills-wise.
“Sabi ko naman sa inyo last time malaking factor pagiging batang team, although nandun talent pagdating ng crucial medyo kakalas,” said De Jesus, whose team has five players playing in their fifth year. “Kung ma overcome nila iyon mahirap silang talunin.”
“First set pa lang dominated na so ‘yun yung skills at talent ng mga recruit ng UP.”
On the other side, UP has seven rookies and two seniors, captains Kathy Bersola and Nicole Tiamzon.
Mika Reyes and the versatile Kim Dy, who attacked from almost any angle, had 14 points each to lead La Salle, while Ara Galang added 12.
Kim Fajardo was also on point with her passes putting up 32 excellent sets.
Rookie Diana Carlos led the third-place Lady Maroons, 6-4, with 14 points while Isa Molde added eight.