La Salle’s Leiah Malaluan during a game against UP in the UAAP Season 84 women’s volleyball tournament at Mall of Asia Arena. UAAP PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines-La Salle rose to the second spot after dealing University of the Philippines its third consecutive loss, 25-12, 25-17, 25-19, in the UAAP Season 84 women’s volleyball tournament, Tuesday at Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
The 1-2 punch of Alleiah Malaluan and Justine Jazareno led the Lady Spikers to a 4-2 slate with Malaluan shouldering the scoring load with a game-high 16 points and Jazareno anchoring the defense with 12 excellent digs and 11 excellent receptions.
“Well UP started strong so coming into this game our preparation was double time the fact that we’re slated for the first game at 10,” La Salle assistant coach Benson Bocboc said in Filipino after the game that lasted for an hour and 24 minutes.
“Fortunately, we were able to adjust and I thought UP had a hard time with our rotation so we got the advantage on that.”
Fifi Sharma chipped in 10 points for the Lady Spikers while Gagate and Jolina Dela Cruz had seven markers apiece. Team captain Mars Alba delivered 15 excellent sets to steer the offense.
UP top scorer Alyssa Bertolano was silenced to just four points in the loss that dropped the Fighting Maroons to 3-3 in the third spot. She also sat out the entirety of the third frame.
Nina Ytang paced the Maroons with eight points and six excellent digs while Joan Monares had five points. UP rookie Irah Jaboneta, who played a pivotal role in the team’s 3-0 start, did not suit up.