By ADRIAN STEWART CO
Alleiah Malaluan delivered timely hits as the De La Salle University (DLSU) Lady Spikers scored a 26-24, 25-19, 24-26, 27-25 victory over the University of the Philippines (UP) Fighting Maroons in the UAAP Season 86 women’s volleyball tournament at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City on Thursday, April 4.
After a disastrous meltdown in the third set where they lost a 17-7 lead, the Lady Spikers trailed in the fourth set at 22-24 before Malaluan stepped up with three consecutive points to tie the score at 25-all.
Negrense Maicah Larroza then sent the Lady Spikers to match point with a backrow conversion before Julia Coronel completed the tight victory with a block on the Fighting Maroons’ attack.
Malaluan finished the game with 17 points, on 16 attacks and a service ace, as the defending champion Lady Spikers moved closer to sealing a Final Four seat with an 8-1 win-loss slate.
Shevana Laput led the way for the Lady Spikers with 21 points, built on 18 attacks, two blocks and a service ace. Larroza contributed 12 markers off the bench and Baby Jyne Soreno ended with 10 points.
Angel Canino, the reigning UAAP women’s volleyball tournament MVP, missed the Lady Spikers match against the Fighting Maroons after reportedly sustaining an injury outside of volleyball.
Aklanon Irah Anika Jaboneta finished with 18 points, on 17 attacks and a block. Stephanie Bustrillo added 16 markers, while Bacolodnon Joan Marie Monares and Nina Ytang ended with 10 each as the Fighting Maroons dropped to 1-9.
In the other match, the Far Eastern University (FEU) Lady Tamaraws renewed their dominance over the Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eagles with a 19-25, 25-20, 25-20, 25-22 triumph.
Chenie Tagaod led the way for the Lady Tamaraws with 16 points, all coming from attacks, to go with 11 excellent receptions and five excellent digs, as the Lady Tamaraws tightened their hold of the no. 4 spot with a 5-4 win-loss slate.
Faida Bakanke also tallied 16 points, including 15 attacks and a block. Gerzel Petallo chipped in 15 points, and Jean Asis ended with 11 markers for FEU, which also defeated Ateneo in the first round, 25-22, 22-25, 25-13, 25-21, on March 18./ASC, WDJ