La Salle University overcame winless University of the East’s gallant stand, 25-22, 25-13, 25-23, to strengthen its hold of the second spot in the UAAP Season 87 Women’s Volleyball Tournament at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, Saturday afternoon.
With their third straight win, the Lady Spikers improved their win-loss record to 8-3 at solo second with a full game separation against the third-running University of Santo Tomas at 7-4.
“Siguro po yung term na nagpi-peak medyo papunta na po tayo doon. Paunti-unti, inaaral pa rin namin at ng team, lalo na si coach Ramil, kung ano pa yung pwede naming ilabas sa mga susunod na laro,” said La Salle assistant coach Kerth Melliza.
The Lady Warriors even led 16-13 in the opening frame through the efforts of Khy Cepada and Van Bangayan but Shevana Laput and Angel Canino responded for the Lady Spikers.
With UE within one 21-22, Laput and Canino closed the door to avoid a frustrating set loss against the winless squad.
Then in the third period, the Lady Warriors punched back anew after a downer second set.
UE was just within a point late, 22-23, but Angel Canino sent La Salle to match point with a down-the-line hit. Cepada retaliated with a smart push shot but Laput finished the game in one hour and 33 minutes with a spike down the sidelines.
“Hindi ko masasabing ito na yung peak namin, pero at the same time, merong mga nalalabas kasing skills namin, merong nalalabas na bago sa’min. Hindi pa ‘to yung peak talaga, hindi ko masasabing ito na yung peak talaga kasi we believe na meron pa kaming more na malalabas,” said Canino, who had 16 points on 12 attacks, three blocks, and an ace along with six receptions and four digs.
Laput provided 14 points while Amie Provido delivered nine points on five attacks, two blocks, and two service aces.
Jillian Santos, a product of University of Illinois Chicago, also had her first impact for the Lady Spikers with six points.
De La Salle will be back on April 13 to face University of the Philippines, still at the Big Dome just before the Lenten break.