By ADRIAN STEWART CO

The De La Salle University (DLSU) Lady Spikers returned to the finals after a 26-24, 25-22, 20-25, 25-19 beating of University of Santo Tomas Golden Tigresses in the UAAP Season 85 women’s volleyball Final Four at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Wednesday, May 3.

Bacolodnon Angel Canino posted a game-high 19 points on 18 attacks to go along with 10 excellent digs, helping the Lady Spikers make their 20th UAAP women’s volleyball finals appearance.

Jolina dela Cruz supplied 10 points and six excellent receptions, while Thea Gagate and Alleiah chipped in nine points apiece and rookie Shevana Laput had eight points for the Lady Spikers.

Justine Jazareno tallied 22 excellent digs and 16 excellent receptions, while team captain Marionne Alba tossed 12 excellent sets to go along with three markers for the Season 84 runner-ups.

“Happy dahil ayun nga, na-redeem namin ‘yung pagkatalo namin nung second round so eto, nasa finals na. Pero hindi pa tapos ‘to, mahaba pa kaya kailangan pa namin mag-training at mag-improve pa,” La Salle assistant coach Noel Orcullo said.

Canino, the leading contender for the UAAP Season 85 MVP honors, delivered back-to-back attacks, giving the Taft-based spikers a comfortable 21-13 advantage in the fourth set.

The Golden Tigresses made a last-ditch attempt to save their season with Milena Alessandrini and Imee Hernandez igniting a 3-0 spurt that eventually trimmed the lead to five, 19-24.

Unfortunately, that proved to be it for the Golden Tigresses as Malaluan scored through the block to push her side to match point before Gagate blocked Alessandrini to clinch the match.

Eya Laure finished with triple-double 15 points, 12 excellent digs and 11 excellent receptions for the Golden Tigresses, while Hernandez chipped in 12 points, including two blocks.

Meanwhile, defending champion National University Lady Bulldogs made a return trip to the finals after a come-from-behind 22-25, 25-22, 25-12, 25-15 beating of Adamson University Lady Falcons./ASC, WDJ