By ADRIAN STEWART CO

The De La Salle University (DLSU) Lady Spikers battled back from a set down to beat the Adamson University Lady Falcons, 17-25, 25-19, 25-11, 25-22, in the UAAP Season 86 women’s volleyball tournament at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Wednesday, April 17.

Shevana Laput fired a personal season-high 24 points on 22 attacks and two blocks, while Thea Gagate added 12 points, including three blocks, for the defending champion Lady Spikers.

The Lady Spikers raised their record to a 10-2 win-loss slate for the three-way logjam along with the National University Lady Bulldogs and the University of Santo Tomas Golden Tigresses.

Despite the win, Lady Spikers assistant coach Noel Orcullo said their first-set defeat to the Lady Falcons was unacceptable, as they were once again tentative with their moves inside the court.

“Actually, nung first set talagang sobrang tentative ‘yung galaw nila, naghihintayan, walang gustong mag-lead. ‘Yun ‘yung naging resulta. Kapag walang nagli-lead nagiging pangit ‘yung galaw,” Orcullo said.

“Buti na lang nanalo, nakuha ‘yung second set at nagtuloy-tuloy. A win is a win pa rin talaga kahit masama ‘yung laro,” the long-time deputy of head coach Ramil de Jesus added.

Jen Villegas had her best game this season with 16 points on 13 spikes, two blocks and an ace, while Barbie Jamili chimed in with 11 points as they dropped to a 3-9 record.

Meanwhile, the Far Eastern University Lady Tamaraws prevailed over the University of the East Lady Warriors, 25-19, 25-15, 22-25, 25-16, to remain in contention for a twice-to-beat berth.

Chenie Tagaod erupted for 21 points built on 19 attacks. Gerzel Petallo had a double-double of 14 points and 10 digs, Faida Bakanke chipped in 10 points, while Tin Ubaldo ended with 21 excellent sets to go with seven points.

“Nakuha namin ‘yung gusto naming mangyari for this game na manalo, pero sa loob ng panalo ay mas napatibay namin ‘yung sistema namin,” Lady Tamaraws head coach Manolo Refugia said./ASC, WDJ