For Ara Galang, it was birthday weekend to remember.
The UAAP Season 74 rookie of the year, who just turned 19 last Saturday, exploded for 18 points on 17 kills as the Lady Spikers crushed FEU in straight sets 25-19 25-18 25-16.
Abil Maraño and rookie Desiree Cheng added 10 and 7 points respectively for La Salle, who have won 21 straight UAAP games dating back to last season.
Galang waxed hot right from start, scoring 5 straight points to put the Lady Spikers on top 11-8 early in Set 1. With La Salle at set point 24-16, the Lady Tamaraws refused to falter, scoring 3 straight. However, Galang thwarted their comeback attempt with a kill to end the set.
It was a close second set which saw FEU taking the early lead. But La Salle immediately seized the upper hand and led by 10, capitalizing on the Lady Tamaraw’s unforced errors. A long ball by FEU eventually gave the Lady Spikers a two set lead.
La Salle took full control of Set 3 as their reserve players were fielded-in down the stretch. An attack by Alexandra Tan’s sealed the game.
The Lady Spikers remain on top of the standings at 5-0.