By ADRIAN STEWART CO

The De La Salle University (DLSU) Lady Spikers survived a tough stand by the University of the East (UE) Lady Warriors for a 25-23, 21-25, 25-17, 22-25, 15-12 thriller in the UAAP Season 86 women’s volleyball tournament at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Tuesday night, April 9.

Thea Gagate spearheaded the offense with 22 points, built on 17 attacks, three blocks, and two service aces, to be named Player of the Game as the Lady Spikers moved up to a 9-1 win-loss slate.

Shevana Laput chipped in 21 points, on 17 attacks, three blocks and a service ace. Alleiah Malaluan contributed 12 points, while Ilongga Amie Provido and Negrense Maicah Larroza had 11 and 10 points, respectively, for DLSU.

After failing to close out the Lady Warriors in the fourth set, the Lady Spikers came out firing in the fifth frame with a 7-2 start behind Laput, Gagate and Malaluan, but the Lady Warriors responded with a run to cut the deficit to 8-9.

The Lady Spikers pulled away anew at 14-9 with connections from Provido, Laput and Gagate.

The Lady Warriors made their last push at 12-19, but a check-ball drop by Gagate sealed the win for DLSU.

“Bad win itong nangyari sa amin. Although nanalo, pero hindi magandang panalo ito,” Lady Spikers assistant coach Noel Orcullo said.

“Tine-test talaga ‘yung character ng team na ito kung hanggang saan ang kakayahan. Hopefully, hindi na maulit itong ganito,” he added.

Khy Cepada top-scored for the Lady Warriors with 23 points, on 19 attacks, two blocks and two service aces, while Casiey Dongallo added 20 points as they dropped to a 2-8 record.

Meanwhile, the Far Eastern University Lady Tamaraws tightened their grip on the no. 4 spot after a 25-19, 25-23, 25-23 win over the Adamson University Lady Falcons.

Faida Bakanke posted a game-high of 13 points on 11 attacks and two blocks as the Lady Tamaraws moved closer to securing the no. 4 spot in the Final Four with their 6-4 win-loss slate.

Chenie Tagaod added 12 points to go along with seven excellent receptions, while Gerzel Petallo and Jean Asis contributed 11 and 10 points, respectively, for the Lady Tamaraws./ASC, WDJ