By ADRIAN STEWART CO
The De La Salle University (DLSU) Lady Spikers hardly broke a sweat as they defeated the University of the Philippines (UP) Fighting Maroons, 25-15, 25-17, 25-18, in the UAAP Season 86 women’s volleyball tournament at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City on Sunday, March 10.
Bacolodnon Angel Canino delivered another strong performance with 16 points on 13 attacks, two blocks and a service ace as the defending champion Lady Spikers improved to a 5-1 win-loss slate.
Shevana Laput added nine markers, including seven attacks and two blocks, while Thea Gagate and Alleiah Malaluan contributed eight and seven markers, respectively, for the Lady Spikers.
But it was libero Lyka de Leon who earned Player of the Game honors with 13 excellent digs and nine excellent receptions for DLSU, which will face the National University Lady Bulldogs at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Saturday, March 16.
The Lady Spikers did not encounter any resistance from the Fighting Maroons, as they jumped to early leads in each of the three sets before holding off the attempted fightback of their opponent.
Bacolodnon Joan Marie Monares tallied nine points, while Antiqueña Irah Anika Jaboneta and Nina Ytang ended with seven points apiece as the Fighting Maroons remained winless in five matches.
Meanwhile, the Lady Bulldogs got valuable contributions from their reserves to score a 25-13, 25-19, 25-16 win over the University of the East Lady Warriors as they tied the Lady Spikers in second place.
Aishat Bello and Kaye Bombita made their presence felt with seven and five points, respectively, while rookie setter Abe Pono ended with eight excellent sets for the Lady Bulldogs.
“Masaya kami kasi nagko-continue ‘yung winning streak tapos na-field in lahat ng mga players namin, and then nag-perform at nag-contribute ng points,” Lady Bulldogs head coach Norman Miguel said.
The Lady Warriors opened the second set with fire, getting a 6-2 lead, but Bombita, Chams Maaya and Mhicaela Belen lifted the Lady Bulldogs to a 25-19 for a 2-0 advantage./ASC, WDJ