Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
La Salle needed only three sets to take down defending champion and fierce rival Ateneo, 25-22, 25-22, 25-21, to take Game 1 of their best-of-three Finals duel in the UAAP Season 78 women’s volleyball tournament Saturday at Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Ara Galang sealed Game 1 for La Salle with a smooth off-the-block tap against Bea De Leon.
Lady Spikers head coach Ramil De Jesus said it was his team’s calm demeanor that helped them in the win despite Ateneo building up a solid foundation in the start of the match.
“Mas relaxed mga bata kanina, although down kami sa start ng mga sets, nag early timeout ako nung 4-0, pero alam kong babalik ang composure ng mga bata (The girls were relaxed. Though, we were down at the start of every set, I called an early timeout when we were trailing 4-0 but I know their composure will be there),” said De Jesus, who is the only coach to lead La Salle to a title.
Another factor that aided La Salle and this ended up in the stat sheet, was the Lady Spikers’ terrific blocking as they recorded 13 compared to Ateneo’s two.
“Blocking, nag practice talaga kami nang matagal para doon, so at least nag work (We really worked hard on our blocking and at least, it worked).”
Kim Dy led four Lady Spikers in double-figure scoring with 15 while Mika Reyes added 13 points.
Galang, who missed last year’s Finals due to an injury, registered 10 points while Mary Joy Baron also had 10.
La Salle goes for title No. 9 on Wednesday in Game 2 at Mall of Asia Arena.
Alyssa Valdez was the lone Lady Eagle to finish in double digits with 17 points.