La Salle Lady Spikers’ Julia Coronel in the UAAP Season 86 women’s volleyball tournament. –UAAP PHOTO
Julia Coronel seamlessly orchestrated La Salle’s offense in a resounding 25-19, 25-21, 25-18, beating of Far Eastern University on Saturday night in the UAAP Season 86 women’s volleyball tournament.
Coronel, the Lady Spikers’ main setter, tossed 16 excellent sets punctuated by a piercing Amie Provido cross court attack at match point.
“I would say that I’m not yet satisfied. This is a good start for me and the team coming into the second round, but we should keep on improving because the other teams have now adjusted,’’ said Coronel.
SCHEDULE: UAAP Season 86 volleyball second round
The defending champions kicked off their second-round campaign with another emphatic sweep, their seventh victory in eight games as they breathed down the unbeaten UST Tigresses necks (8-0).
Angel Canino was chief recipient of Coronel’s efficient sets, knocking down the FEU defensive wall with 14 attacks out of her 15 points.
Middle blocker Thea Gagate backstopped Canino with 10 points, three blocks and ace while Alleiah Malaluan, Baby Jyne Soreno and Provido were likewise in attack mode throughout.
READ: UAAP: Julia Coronel embraces bigger role for La Salle
“To be honest, I still commit several lapses and I’m quite aware of that. The coaches have become tough on us because it means they want to see something more from us,’’ said Coronel.
The Lady Tamaraws gamely fought at the infancy of the first set before Canino and Gagate heated things up, made worse by a slew of FEU unforced errors.
Canino pushed the Lady Spikers closer to securing the set with an off-the-block strike, after which Chenie Tagaod handed it to them on a platter after hitting the leather past the sideline.
Lapses hounded La Salle in the ensuing set, but managed to pull it off and ride out Gerzel Petallo’s offensive blitz.
La Salle assistant coach Noel Orcullo, Julia Coronel, and Angel Canino talk about their 3-0 win over FEU. #UAAPSeason86 | @LanceAgcaoilINQ pic.twitter.com/7OpQ3RiUhR
— INQUIRER Sports (@INQUIRERSports) March 23, 2024
Canino’s off-speed spike followed by an authoritative cross broke the last deadlock at 19.
Last year’s rookie-MVP punched another assault off the block in front of Faida Bakanke following a pair of Petallo deadly kills and Alleiah Malaluan capped it off with a long back row attack that caught Alyzza Devosora flat-footed.
Petallo and Bakanke compiled 13 points each and Tin Ubaldo had 10 excellent set, but the Lady Tamaraws’ defense was generally dubious.
They allowed La Salle to air strike them with 42 attacks, pulling them down to an even 4-4 card.
There was no stopping the Lady Spikers from sweeping their rivals in the third set and even though FEU kept springing back, they made sure it won’t be a long night.
Coronel’s block and an efficient toss to an attacking Provido ended the match.