Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
Defending champion La Salle swept its final eight games walloping Ateneo to complete the second round sweep, 26-24, 25-17, 25-19, of the UAAP Season 80 women’s volleyball tournament Sunday at Mall of Asia Arena.
The first seed Lady Spikers will head to the Final Four with a 12-2 record while the Lady Eagles settled for the third spot with a 9-5 card.
After breezing through the second set, the Lady Spikers got into a different predicament in the third set when they trailed, 12-8.
La Salle, however, cranked up the ante and displayed the championship poise as substitute Norielle Ipac scored two consecutive points that gave the Lady Spikers a 16-15 lead.
Kianna Dy then scored a service ace to give the Lady Spikers an 18-15 lead.
La Salle head coach Ramil De Jesus said their win over the Lady Eagles was vital for them to build their confidence going into the Final Four, and it also showed that the Lady Spikers already developed the killer instinct required to shine in the big stages.
“They’ve already gained their confidence here, my setter’s [Michelle Cobb] confidence is in there, they trust each other,” said De Jesus in Filipino. “The players were moving as one, before some didn’t want to score and would rather just help, it’s better for us if everyone contributes.”
Reigning MVP Mary Joy Baron delivered the dagger straight to Ateneo’s heart with a booming quick kill that put the Lady Spikers up 24-18 just before Desiree Cheng killed off the Lady Eagles’ for the match-wining point.
Dy finished with 13 points to lead the Lady Spikers while Cheng and Tin Tiamzon had 12 and 11 points, respectively.
Kat Tolentino led Ateneo with 15 points.