La Salle clinches Final Four spot, eliminates UE

Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

De La Salle reserved its spot for this year’s Final Four after dominating University of the East, 25-8, 25-14, 25-12, in the UAAP Season 80 women’s volleyball tournament Saturday at Filoil Flying V Centre.

The defending champions solidified their place atop the standings with a 9-2 record and in the process eliminated the Lady Warriors, 2-9, from the semifinals race.

The Lady Spikers were ruthless in the third set going on a 12-1 lead that practically became the foundation for their victory.

Desiree Cheng eventually gave La Salle the 24-12 match point before an error on UE’s side of the court ultimately decided the three-setter.

Although the Lady Spikers clinched their 10th straight postseason appearance, head coach Ramil De Jesus is solely focused on whoever is standing across them at the court.

“I’m not thinking of the Final Four, but I do think about who we will face next and winning against those teams that beat us in the first round,” said De Jesus in Filipino. whose only losses were against Adamson University and National University.

The Lady Spikers had already avenged their loss against the Lady Bulldogs at tbhe start of the second round.

“If we can sweep this second round, we’ll definitely go for it.”

Reigning MVP Mary Joy Baron had 13 points to lead La Salle while Kianna Dy added 11 points.