Lady Spikers blank Adamson for 1st Win

The Lady Spikers rebounded from their disappointing loss against UST with a straight set win against a fighting ADU, 26-24, 25-19, 25-18 yesterday. The Lady Spikers still showed some effects from the long layoff from top class competition as they struggled at times against the Lady Falcons, but prevailed when it counted in the closing stretches of all 3 sets to claim their first win.

As in past seasons, the Lady Spikers showcased a varied offense, with points coming from 8 players led by Mika Reyes, who topscored for a second straight game with 13 points. She was backstopped by her fellow frontliner and team captain Abi Marano with 12, Ara Galang with 10, and Michelle Gumabao with 9. Wensh Tiu had a quiet 5 points, Alexandra Tan contributed a point, and setters Mikaela Esperanza and Kim Fajardo had 2 points each. The Lady Spikers also collected 22 points from ADU errors, but gave up 23 points on errors.

Although the first 2 sets were competitive, the Lady Spikers maintained control to close out the sets. In the third, however, the Lady Falcons took an early lead up to the middle of the set, until Ara Galang clustered together consecutive points on successive kills to give the initiative to La Salle, and like the defending champions that they are, the Lady Spikers closed out the match comfortably.

ADU is no pushover, with veterans Pau Soriano, Sheila Pineda, Luisa Zapanta, Faye Guevara, and May Macatuno in the lineup. However, the Lady Falcons had a new coach with Sherwin Meneses who replaced Dulce Pante this season.

Coach Ramil continued to shuffle his lineup, splitting the playing time between setters Esperanza and rookie Kim Fajardo. Giving Fajardo minutes this early will pay as the season progresses, allowing Coach Ramil more flexibility with his player combinations later on.

With the relative strength of the other teams this year, all games will count. This victory will give them a confidence boost and should erase any doubts about their ability to compete for the championship. One game at at time, Ladies! We’re behind you all the way.

 

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