THE De La Salle Lady Spikers managed a payback for their first round loss against the University of Santo Tomas Lady Spikers in straight sets, 30-28,25-15,25-19 in the 75th season of the UAAP women’s volleyball tournament at the Flying V FilOil Arena in San Juan earlier this afternoon.
Throughout the game, defense had been the key for the Lady Spikers’ victory over the Tigresses. La Salle amassed 13 blocks in the game, including eight in the second set. Michelle Gumabao, the lead contributor, finished with 12 points and eight blocks.
In the opening set, the Lady Spikers steered the lead with as much as seven points. However, during the latter part of the set, they were unable to take care of the lead wherein the Tigresses pulled off an 8-2 run, snatching the lead at set point, 24-23.
Unfortunately, the Tigresses wasted the opportunities to seal the game thrice at set point, after committing back to back errors. From a deuce at 25, they reached until a deuce at 28. With the Tigresses unable to close the set, Ara Galang of DLSU sealed it for them.
Although the Lady Spikers committed 14 unforced errors, they were able to pull off with 14 attacking points and three blocks by the end of the first set.
After that thrilling set, La Salle’s surge had been unstoppable. The Tigresses’ energy had been a complete contrast of the first one, wherein they showed defensive and offensive strength.
Sophomore Carmela Tunay and veteran Maruja Banaticla salvaged the team with some points, but short enough to extend the game to a fourth set. They finished with 17 markers combined.
After the loss, the UST Lady Spikers are down from third to fifth with a 5-4 slate in the tourney, tied with the NU Lady Bulldogs.
By Josiah Darren G. Saynes
Photo taken by Jenzine Inah M. Alcantara
