DE LA SALLE downed University of the Philippines (UP), 25-14, 25-13, 19-25, 25-20, to take the solo lead in University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 78 women’s volleyball tournament on Saturday at PhilSports Arena in Pasig City.
The Lady Spikers started the match on fire as they routed the Lady Maroons in the lopsided first two sets but they relaxed in the third set, allowing the Lady Maroons to stay alive before losing steam in the fourth frame.
“UP is a very aggressive team you can’t take them for granted you have to respect their game,” Head Coach Ramil de Jesus said. “Although, the majority of them are rookies, we saw that the level of their game is not an easy take away.”
“I think we relaxed after two sets we didn’t sustain our offense and defense. That could possibly happen when the rhythm of the game changes,” he added.
La Salle, however, flaunted its composure as they caught fire in the fourth set starting with a 13-11 then stretched it to a 20-13 margin. The Diliman-based team was within striking distance, trimming the lead to 16-21 but the volleybelles from Taft delivered the dagger as rookie Tin Tiamzon set up the match point then Majoy Baron hit the match winning attack.
The graduating spiker Baron posted a career-high 17 hits on 12 attacks, four blocks, and an ace.
“She did great today and that what I expected from her as a senior,” de Jesus said.
Kim Fajardo put up another sensational pacing to her teammates with 41 excellent sets.
Fajardo located her spikers well as four Lady Spikers had double figures. Ara Galang and Tiamzon chipped in13 points apiece. Carol Cerveza delivered 12 markers, while Mika Reyes added 10.
La Salle grabbed the solo lead with 2-0 while UP dropped to 1-1.
The rookies led the way for UP. Molde had 15 points on 13 kills and two aces, while Justine Dorog added 10–all on attacks–in a losing effort.
In men’s action, Ateneo continued its title bid with its second straight win after beating Far Eastern University in straight sets, 25-18, 25-19, 25-13, while Adamson University also swept University of the East (UE) in straight sets, 25-18, 25-14, 25-23.
Skipper Isay Marasigan and Rex Intal each had 11 hits while reigning Most Valuable Player Marck Espejo chipped in 10 points on five service aces, including eight excellent receptions.
The Blue Eagles moved to 2-0, while the FEU slid to 1-1.
The Falcons, on the other hand, bounced back from their 22-25, 22-25, 7-25 loss at the expense of National University last Wednesday as they improved their record to 1-1 slate.
Jerome Sarmiento,Bryan Saraza, and Dave Pletado combined for 30 points with 10 hits each as setter Karlle Nico Ramirez had a great pacing with 25 excellent sets.
Key player Samuel Lelic did not player after dislocating his left ankle in their previous game for the Red Warriors. Team captain Edward Camposano took over with 12 on 10 kills and two service aces in a losing cause.
UE remained winless after two outings.
Image credits: Nonoy Lacza