DE LA SALLE vented its ire on Adamson University, scoring an easy 25-13, 25-13, 25-16 victory to seize solo hold of second spot of Season 78 University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) women’s volleyball on Saturday at the Filoil Flying V Arena.
Aching to rebound from its four-set defeat to National University (NU) on Wednesday, the Lady Spikers used their superb blocking and hard service to book their third win in four contests and stay within striking distance of titleholder Ateneo de Manila (3-0).
Mika Reyes accounted four of the Lady Spikers’ 10 blocks, while Majoy Baron and rookie May Luna combined six of the team’s 14 service aces.
“Siguro mas kabisado lang itong arena. Kapag pamilyar ang venue, malaking bagay iyon,” Lady Spikers Head Coach Ramil de Jesus said. “Nagpakita rin ng interest ang mga bata na gusto rin nilang makabawi [laban sa Lady Bulldogs]. Happy ako at nag-deliver sila nang maayos, na-execute ang lahat ng pinapagawa nila sa amin,” he added.
In men’s play, Wendel Miguel came through with 19 hits as University of the Philippines (UP) fashioned out a stunning 25-19, 25-20, 31-29 win over NU, dealing the Bulldogs their first loss of the season.
“I told Wendel to grab the opportunity to shine and he delivered,” Coach Rod Palmero said after his Fighting Maroons booked their second win in three starts.
UP’s stunning victory forged a five-way tie in first place along with its victims, defending champion Far Eastern Univesrity, Ateneo and Adamson.
Manuel Medina had 16 hits as University of Santo Tomas (UST) barged into the win column with a 25-21, 26-24, 25-18 over University of the East, in the curtain raiser.
The Lady Spikers used their balanced attack as Ara Galang led the way with 10 hits and five digs, while Baron added nine points.
Aside from tossed in 18 excellent sets, veteran playmaker Kim Fajardo also delivered on offense with nine points, her final one came from a combination play from Reyes midway in the third set. “Napa-practice niya iyun. Alam no naman si Kim, bibigla na lang gagawa ng nakakagulat,” de Jesus said.
Jema Galanza and Mylene Paat struggled big time for the Lady Falcons, finishing only with six and three points, respectively.
May Roque was the only lone bright spot for Adamson with nine hits.
Image credits: Nonoy Lacza