Defending champion De La Salle University opened its title-retention bid with a rousing 25-16, 25-16, 25-18 sweep of Adamson University in the UAAP Season 86 women’s volleyball tournament, Saturday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
It was a double celebration for the Lady Spikers as their opening-day victory over the Lady Falcons allowed head coach Ramil De Jesus to pick up his 300th UAAP women’s volleyball victory.
“Di ko naman nabibilang yun pero in 27 years sa La Salle, siguro baka umabot na nga don. Happy kasi umabot ng ganun karami yung panalo na hindi ko naman naisip na makakarating sa ganun,” said De Jesus after the win.
“Para sa akin, yung mabigyan ng magandang kundisyon (at) performance yung mga bata sapat na yun, hindi na yung kung umabot yung ganung panalo,” he added.
Reigning MVP Angel Canino delivered 14 points on 11 attacks and three blocks to go along with four excellent digs and four excellent receptions while Shevana Laput chipped in 11 markers to go along with 10 excellent receptions for La Salle.
“Amazing,” said Canino on his coach’s personal accomplishment. “Sobrang natutuwa po ako kasi part po kami noon. Hopefully more wins to come.”
Thea Gagate and Amie Provido added eight points each while Alleiah Malaluan had seven points.
Julia Coronel tossed 13 excellent sets laced with five points while Lyka De Leon registered 12 excellent digs and eight excellent receptions.
The Lady Spikers converted 43 of their 115 attack attempts in the contest, while also tallying a 10-2 advantage in blocks against the Lady Falcons in the one-hour, 14-minute match.
La Salle will look to make it two in a row against Far Eastern University on Wednesday, 2:00 p.m. at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.