La Salle cruises to UAAP semifinals

Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

LA SALLE powered its way to the semifinals just like its chief rival as the Lady Spikers demolished the Adamson Lady Falcons, 25-13, 25-11, 25-18, in the UAAP women’s volleyball tournament Sunday at Philsports Arena in Pasig.

Kim Dy and Ara Galang teamed up for 21 points to tow the Lady Spikers to the easy win and a share of the top spot at 9-2 with Ateneo, which clinched the first Final Four berth after routing University of Santo Tomas, also in straight sets on Saturday.

The Lady Spikers even had the luxury of fielding their bench players, including rookie May Luna, who chipped in seven points.

“We need to give our bench players the confidence,” said La Salle coach Ramil de Jesus, adding that the reserves need to step up as veteran Cyd Demecillo will be sidelined for two weeks due to a knee injury.

But just like their rival Lady Eagles, who lost ace Maddie Madayag to injury, the Lady Spikers adjusted seamlessly and made quick work of the Lady Falcons.

University of the Philippines, a strong semifinal hopeful, strengthened its hold of third spot at 7-4 following a 25-23, 25-22, 25-14 win over University of the East.

Standout freshman Isa Molde again came to the fore with 12 points as the resurgent Lady Maroons bucked a shaky first set where the winless Lady Warriors even held the early lead.

In men’s action, National University turned back UP in straight sets, 25-17, 25-19, 25-17, to improve to 7-4 behind idle pacesetters Ateneo (10-1) and Adamson (8-3).

Madzland Gampong and James Natividad combined for 30 points to power the Bulldogs, who avenged their first-round loss to the Maroons.

Far Eastern University also kept hold of fourth spot at 6-5 after a 25-20, 27-25, 23-25, 25-13 triumph over UE.

Greg Dolor pumped in 22 points, including 17 attacks and four aces, to lift the Tamaraws.