La Salle pips Ateneo, nears UAAP volleyball crown

MANILA, Philippines—La Salle had put its bid for a perfect season behind, but the Lady Archers still see another UAAP championship in the horizon.

Rebounding from their first loss this season, the Lady Archers showcased their trademark tenacity to outlast Ateneo, 23-25, 25-21, 26-24, 25-18, and move within win of a second straight women’s volleyball crown Saturday at the FilOil-Flying V Arena in San Juan.

Michele Gumabao unloaded 18 points, five off blocks, while Charleen Cruz and Ara Galang also starred by drilling 12 hits each as La Salle held off the Lady Eagles in the crucial third set to seal the victory.

In men’s action, Far Eastern University stunned defending champion University of Tomas with a straight-set triumph, 25-20, 25-21, 25-22, in Game 1 of their best-of-three showdown.

Rodolfo Labrador had 23 points and Arvin Avila fired 15 to lead the Tamaraws within a win of a title and spoiling the Tigers’ bid for a fifth straight crown.