DEFENDING champion De La Salle outlasted National University, 15-25, 25-19, 18-25, 25-19, 15-12, in a thrilling rematch of last year’s UAAP women’s volleyball tournament Finals before 13,848 fans at the Smart Araneta Coliseum Saturday night.
Shevana Laput had 20 points, including the match-sealing kill that lifted the Lady Spikers in closing the first round with a 6-1 record.
“We definitely have to fight for it. I’m thankful that my teammates put that trust on me,” said Laput.
The Lady Bulldogs, who drew 21 points from Alyssa Solomon and a 20-point, 20-dig outing by former MVP Bella Belen, dropped to 5-2.
Reigning MVP Angel Canino added 17 points, including two service aces, and seven digs while Em Provido had five blocks for a 13-point outing for De La Salle.
“Hindi magiging madali ang laban natin. Ang sabi ko sa kanila all-out tayo huwag tayong bibitaw kahit nakakalamang ang kalaban. Basta patuloy lang kayo sa sistema na ginagawa natin,” said Lady Spikers assistant coach Noel Orcullo.