This was another one of those intense matchups between two championship contenders going neck-to-neck all throughout
The Lady Spikers normallty thrive in these pressure situations but unfortunately, they were not so lucky this time around.
An inspired UP team, winners of two recent collegiate preseason tournaments, proved that they are indeed a legit championship contender as La Salle drops its first match of the season in a 5-set thriller 25-21 20-25,21-25, 25-20,12-15 Saturday. Prior to this game, La Salle has won 14 straight dating back to March 3 of last year.
Rookie Jolina Dela Cruz topscored with 19 points while Aduke Ogunsanya added 13. Des Cheng (shoulder) and May Luna(swollen cheek) both played hurt in this game but still managed to each chip in 12 points.
Jolina Dela Cruz paces La Salle with 19 points in their brave stand against UP. #UAAPSeason81Volleyball pic.twitter.com/yGCu6eO4Rl
— ABS-CBN Sports (@abscbnsports) March 2, 2019
After winning the first set, the errors once again piled up for Lady Spikers thus allowing UP to tie the match.
The team was able start the third set strong and led by 5 at half way mark. The Lady Maroons however managed to come back and eventually snatch the win.
May Luna, Des Cheng each had 12 points in that five-set thriller! #UAAPSeason81Volleyball pic.twitter.com/QjMWkmacXe
— ABS-CBN Sports (@abscbnsports) March 2, 2019
Both teams fought tooth and nail in the 4th as the defending champions was able to force a deciding set.
It was another seesaw affair in the 5th as both teams found themselves tied at 12. The Lady Maroons however found the right breaks in the end to get the win.
The Lady Spikers aim to bounce back on Wednesday vs UST.