Their win-loss records remain contrasting.
Ara Galang scored 13 points as the De La Salle Lady Spikers defeated the winless UE Lady Warriors 25-12 25-18 25-20 today to sweep the first round of the UAAP Season 76 women’s volleyball tournament.
In a battle between two teams at the opposite ends of the standings, the three-time defending champions stormed to a 16-6 set 1 lead. Even with coach Ramil De Jesus field in his bench players, the team was able to sustain their blistering start to win the set 25-12.
The intensity continued in the next set as the Lady Spikers built a huge 14-5 advantage. The Lady Warriors then went on their own scoring spree to put them within two. Their run however would be short lived as La Salle put together a strong finishing kick to notch the victory 25-18.
The Lady Spikers started the third set with a 7-0 blast. UE though refused to fade as they slowly fought their way back, trimming the deficit to four at 18-14.
La Salle started to pull away again and brought their margin up to six 23-17. However a series of errors on their part enabled UE to be just three points behind at 23-20. But in the end, the composure and experience of the Lady Spikers prevailed as they clinched the set and the game 25-20.
All 14 players saw action for La Salle with their bench combining for 12 points.
The team remains on top of the standings at 7-0 and will have an early rematch with Ateneo to start the second round.