De La Salle University showed its endgame poise in the first and third sets to dump Far Eastern University, 30-28, 25-12, 28-26, to stay pristine in the UAAP Season 85 women’s volleyball tournament at the SM Mall of Asia Arena, Wednesday.
With the win, the 9-0 Lady Spikers have also secured at least a playoff for a Final Four spot.
But De La Salle had to work hard to remain undefeated, encountering heavy opposition from the Lady Tamaraws.
After a lopsided second frame, FEU regained its fire in the third but Jolina Dela Cruz’s crosscourt shot and Jovelyn Fernandez’s attack error gave the Lady Spikers the win, 28-26.
“Yung first set we started flat. Niremind lang namin sila kung bakit nawawala tayo sa sistema. Iba yung ginagalaw niyo sa pinractice natin,” said Lady Spikers assistant coach Noel Orcullo.
In the first period, it was Angel Canino’s heroics that allowed De La Salle to escape, coming through with back-to-back hits for the 30-28 count.
Canino was spectacular with 16 points, 15 excellent receptions, and 14 digs, while Dela Cruz made 13 points and 14 digs.
Thea Gagate added 11 points while Jyne Soreño stepped up with eight points for opposite spiker Leila Cruz, who suffered an ACL injury on her right knee in their previous game against National University.
