The La Salle Lady Spikers kept their unbeaten record intact after taking down archrival Ateneo Blue Eagles, 25-14, 21-25, 25-15, 25-17, in the UAAP Season 88 women’s volleyball tournament at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
For the first time this season, La Salle dropped a set. Ateneo capitalized on the Lady Spikers’ seven unforced errors in the second frame, with rookies Ana Hermosura and Dona De Leon leading the charge to even the match.
La Salle Moves Past Early Adversity
The Lady Spikers quickly regrouped in the third and fourth sets, reasserting control to extend their 17-game winning streak over their longtime rivals.
“Sa nakita namin kanina, ’yun ang lagi naming sinasabi sa kanila na hindi puwedeng biruin namin ‘yung kalaban. Masyado kaming nag-relax nung second set, ang layo nung first set na score, ‘di ba?” said La Salle assistant coach Noel Orcullo.
“Sabi nga, ang Ateneo sobrang tiyaga, grabe ‘yung depensa nila sa baba. Kaya hindi mo puwedeng isipin na pag pumalo, iisipin mo score na.”
Angel Canino paced the Lady Spikers with 22 points built on 20 attacks, 1 block, and 1 ace, along with 11 excellent receptions. Lilay Del Castillo erupted for a career-high 18 points, highlighted by 8 blocks and 7 attacks. Amie Provido added 17 points on 14 attacks and 3 blocks.
For Ateneo, Hermosura led the way with 18 points, while Jennifer Delos Santos contributed 15 markers.
The Lady Spikers aim to stay unbeaten when they face the UE Lady Red Warriors on Saturday, March 7, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. Meanwhile, the Blue Eagles look to break into the win column as they take on the FEU Lady Tamaraws on Wednesday, March 4, at the same venue.
