By ADRIAN STEWART CO
The De La Salle University (DLSU) Lady Spikers reaffirmed their dominance over the Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eagles with a 25-12, 25-22, 25-19 win in the UAAP Season 86 women’s volleyball at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City on Saturday night, March 2.
This marked the Lady Spikers’ 13th consecutive victory against their arch-rivals, the Blue Eagles.
The last time the latter registered a win against the Taft-based volleybelles was on April 8, 2017, with a score of 12-25, 25-20, 25-21, 25-19.
Lady Spikers head coach Ramil de Jesus downplays the feat, emphasizing that they approach each game with equal importance, viewing them all as significant contests requiring thorough preparation in practices.
“Hindi ko naman tinitignan ‘yun. Kung sino ang dumating sa amin, paghahandaan namin ‘yun. It’s either Ateneo, [University of Santo Tomas] or [Far Eastern University], lahat ng schools para sa amin big games ‘yun,” De Jesus said during a post-game interview.
“Kung nataon lang na ganun kalayo ‘yung winning tradition namin against Ateneo, siguro hindi pa lang ito ‘yung time para manalo sila sa amin,” he said.
“Very promising ‘yung team nila, hindi mo pwedeng biru-biruin, kailangan paghandaan mo,” he added.
Thea Gagate spearheaded the defending champion Lady Spikers with 15 points, supported by Shevana Laput’s 13 markers and Bacolodnon Angel Anne Canino’s 10 points, as they improved to a 3-1 win-loss slate.
Lyann de Guzman emerged as the lone bright spot for the Blue Eagles, contributing 15 points, seven digs and four excellent receptions.
Unfortunately, they fell to a 1-3 win-loss slate.
The National University Lady Bulldogs demonstrated efficiency in their game for a convincing 25-17, 25-16, 25-17 victory over the University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons.
Evangeline Alinsug led the offensive charge with 15 points, including 10 in the third set, propelling the Lady Bulldogs to their third consecutive win following their season-opener loss to the University of Santo Tomas Golden Tigresses.
Mhicaela Belen also came through for the Lady Bulldogs with 10 points and 16 excellent receptions, while Alyssa Solomon also ended up with 10 points in the victory./ASC, WDJ