La Salle Lady Spikers celebrate during their victory over the Adamson Lady Falcons in Game 2 of the Shakey’s Super League Finals. MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines—La Salle vaunted its championship form, dominating Adamson in straight sets, 25-23, 25-12, 25-18, in Game 2 to force a rubber match in the Shakey’s Super League National Invitational Finals on Saturday at FilOil EcoOil Centre.
Licking the wounds of their 25-22, 17-25, 25-17, 25-27, 14-16 collapse in Game 1 last Wednesday, the Lady Spikers redeemed themselves with a dominant showing led by Shevana Laput, who topscored with 18 points-all coming from attacks.
La Salle middle blocker Amie Provido was also instrumental with 13 points, while Thea Gagate added nine markers to force a do-or-die Game 3 on Sunday at 4 p.m.
“Actually, I told them that we can’t come here losing this game. We have to win and we have to show that we are the defending UAAP champions,” said La Salle assistant coach Noel Orcullo in Filipino. “We have to prove to them that we won’t just surrender the championship.”
La Salle’s Alleiah Malaluan during a game against Adamson in the Shakey’s Super League Finals. MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
Wing spikers Alleiah Malaluan and Maicah Larozza also stepped up with six points each to beat the Lady Falcons in just 79 minutes.
The Lady Spikers stole the opening set after trailing 21-23 as they scored four straight points capped by Larozza’s clutch kill and an attack error of Red Bascon that set the tone in dominating the match.
Ayesha Juegos was the lone bright spot for Adamson with 12 points, while Red Bascon had nine markers only playing in the first two sets.
Lucille Almonte couldn’t carry her momentum from her 24-point outing in Game 1 after being limited to just six markers.