La Salle sweeps Ateneo for 3rd straight women’s volley title

Jorella de Jesus of Ateneo connects on a drop shot off Cydthealee Demecillo, Abigail Marano and Melissa Gohing of La Salle at Mall of Asia arena.
INQUIRER PHOTO/AUGUST DELA CRUZ

MANILA, Philippines—De La Salle completed a sweep of Ateneo after a 25-23, 25-20, 25-16 win in Game 2 Wednesday night to clinch its third straight title in the UAAP Season 75 women’s volleyball tournament at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.

The Lady Spikers, who came back from two sets down to win Game 1, finished off the Lady Eagles with a scintillating 16-3 run capped by a block by Mika Reyes on Dzi Gervacio, one of five Ateneo players graduating which includes Aillysse Nacachi, Fille Cainglet, Gretchen Ho and setter Jem Ferrer.

“This title is sweet because this is the fruit of labor of my players and it’s also sweet because we were able to win for my graduating players,” said DLSU head coach Ramil de Jesus, which steered his team to its eighth overall title and its second three-peat.

Mika Reyes led the way with 16 points, including the title-clinching block on Gervacio while co-MVPs Abigail Marano and Ara Galang added 12 points apiece.

La Salle clawed back from 7-13 down in the second set behind Reyes, who chalked up four straight points that gave her team an 18-17 edge.

Alyssa valdez was the lone Ateneo player in double-digit scoring with 14 points.