Desiree Cheng. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
Defending champion De La Salle claimed sole ownership of the top spot in the standings after making quick work of University of the Philippines, 25-15, 25-19, 25-19, in the UAAP Season 80 women’s volleyball tournament Wednesday at Filoil Flying V Centre.
The Lady Spikers have now won three straight games to bump their record to a league-best 7-2, half a game above National University, while the Lady Maroons dropped to 3-6.
La Salle, however, started the third set on the defensive end as UP’s constant attack methodically kept the Lady Spikers at bay.
Diana Carlos gave the Lady Maroons a 10-6 lead with a booming kill but that was the Lady Maroons’ last grasp on the lead as the Lady Spikers countered with a 10-3 run that ended with the scores at 16-13 after Mary Joy Baron’s kill forced a net touch on UP’s side.
Tin Tiamzon then scored two consecutive points, first a hit off Rose Mary Cailing’s block then a service ace that bounced off Ayel Estrañero, to give La Salle a 22-18 lead.
La Salle head coach Ramil De Jesus said his team taking the no. 1 spot was a positive sight for them as they have started to build momentum as early as two games into the second round.
“This is a good sign for us because it’s the end, or rather, the start of the second round and we’re already performing well,” said De Jesus in Filipino. “One of our targets is either to be the no. 1 or no. 2 seed.”
“This is a good position for us and I hope this continues. We just have to maintain this on training because it’s really important for us not to peak too early.”
Aduke Ogunsanya then finished off the Lady Maroons with two consecutive points for the Lady Spikers.
Kianna Dy and Desiree Cheng had 14 points apiece to lead the Lady Spikers while Tin Tiamzon and Ogunsanya finished with nine and eight points, respectively.
Carlos had 16 points to lead the Lady Maroons while Isa Molde added 10.
La Salle didn’t have considerable differences with UP in spikes, 34-29, and blocks, 5-3, but lit up in the service line outscoring the Lady Maroons 15-4 in aces.
RELATED VIDEOS
