LA SALLE dropped a set for the first time this season but regrouped just in time to subdue Ateneo, 25-17, 25-16, 23-25, 25-13, and grab a piece of the lead Sunday in the UAAP women’s volleyball tournament at the Filoil Flying V Arena in San Juan.
After losing the third frame, the Lady Spikers used their efficient service in the fourth set, where the Taft-based spikers unloaded seven aces. Holding on valiantly with their solid floor defense in the first three sets, the Lady Eagles folded up in the fourth frame with their poor receiving.
“Sobrang taas ng spirit ng Ateneo, maganda talaga ang depensa nila. Mabuti na lang at naka-recover ang mga bata sa fourth set, napatunayan sa game na ito na walang madaling kalaban sa tournament,” said La Salle mentor Ramil de Jesus.
Stephanie Mercado had 18 points while team captain Cha Cruz had 17 hits for the Lady Spikers. La Salle improved to 4-0 card to tie defending champion University of Santo Tomas on top.
The Lady Spikers scored 18 blocks, with four coming from Jacq Alarca and Michelle Gumabao. Dzi Gervacio and Fille Cainglet combined for 35 points for Ateneo, which struggled with poor performances from Kara Acevedo and rookie Ella de Jesus. (TJ)
NOTES: Lady Eagles coach Roger Gorayeb is 0-5 against the Lady Archers since taking over in the 2008-09 season..Ateneo went 5-2 in the first round last year…La Salle last lost to Ateneo in the first round of the 2007-08 season, with ace scorer Charo Soriano playing her final season.