De La Salle University bounced back strong at the expense of also-ran University of the Philippines, 25-15, 25-16, 25-16, to strengthen its hold of the top spot in the UAAP Season 85 women’s volleyball tournament at the Philsports Arena in Pasig, Sunday.
The Lady Spikers rose to 10-1 while the Fighting Maroons absorbed their eight loss in a row at 1-10.
Rebounding from a four-set loss to University of Santo Tomas that ended a nine-match winning run, De La Salle entered the match with a lot of fire.
“After the game nung sa UST, yun din yung sinabi sa kanila (players) na kahit papaano makaranas kung paano babangon. After ng Holy Week pinaalala sa kanila kalimutan na yung nangyari, ito kailangan big bounce back ba. At least, they showed it,” said De La Salle assistant coach Noel Orcullo.
Unlike in the first two sets where the Lady Spikers quickly pulled away, they had to unleash a late run to frustrate the Fighting Maroons in the third.
Ahead by just four, 19-15, De La Salle got an assist from its foes as UP committed three errors while Jyne Soreño and Amie Provido connected as well to finish the match in 87 minutes, 25-16.
Angel Canino led the Lady Spikers anew with 17 points on 13-of-26 attacks, two blocks, and two aces, while Thea Gagate provided 11 points.
6-foot-1 opposite spiker Shevana Laput also proved her worth in her first start for De La Salle with nine points, while Fifi Sharma and Jolina Dela Cruz made six points apiece.
