After losing the opening set, it appeared the Lady Spikers will once again be headed for another disappointing setback at the hands of UST.
Reminiscent of their first round matchup, La Salle started flat once again, unable to match energy of the Tigresses while the errors piled up.
Fortunately for them, the breaks finallt wend their way come the second set. With UST’s turn to fall prey to errors, the Lady Spiker managed to build an 18-11 lead. But then a series of miscues on their end allowed the Tigresses to tie the count at 23. Good thing Aduke Ogunsanya and Des Cheng delivered in the end to finally give La Salle that critical set win.
And that win was all they needed to regain their form and most importantly, their confidence.
The Lady Spikers were in full control in Set 3. A 10-1 run, coupled by errors on UST’s part gave La Salle the upperhand in the match.
But the Tigresses refused to give up as the fourth set saw both teams exchanging blows and kept trading scoring runs. La Salle led 22-20 but UST quickly tied it at 23 all.
Lourdes Clemente, who struggled all game delivered on consecutive blocks to seal the victory for the Lady Spikers. Final score, 21-25, 25-23, 25-19, 26-24.
Des Clemente's game-winning block ? pic.twitter.com/Jg7Bk9EFnZ
— ABS-CBN Sports (@abscbnsports) March 31, 2019
Cheng surpassed her previous career high a few days ago as she finished with 20 points on 14 attacks. Ogunsanya followed with 12 markers along with 4 blocks.
Des Cheng tallies a new career-high, 20 points to power DLSU past UST ? #UAAPSeason81Volleyball pic.twitter.com/APugkwx6dh
— ABS-CBN Sports (@abscbnsports) March 31, 2019
Aduke Ogunsanya drops 12 points, including some timely attacks to help lead DLSU over UST #UAAPSeason81Volleyball pic.twitter.com/DgeKWc4Dyl
— ABS-CBN Sports (@abscbnsports) March 31, 2019
La Salle is now in solo second at 7-3 and they look to solidify their hold on that spot when they take on cellar-dweller Adamson next Saturday.
The Scores
DLSU (3) – Cheng 20, Ogunsanya 12, Dela Cruz 6, Tiamzon 6, Clemente 5, Luna 2, Alba 1, Ipac 1, Cobb 0, Saga (L)
UST (1) – Laure 20, Rondina 19, Viray 8, Galdones 4, Balcorta 1, Jimenez 1, Pacres 1, Roldan 1, Bicar 0, Galanza 0, Delerio (L)
"Hindi namin inaalis sa isip namin na meron kaming pusong kampeon."
The DLSU Lady Spikers are here to remind us all that they're still the reigning champs. ? #UAAPSeason81Volleyball | @the9cruz pic.twitter.com/8YtMBMUe1e
— ABS-CBN Sports (@abscbnsports) March 31, 2019