By ADRIAN STEWART CO

The De La Salle University (DLSU) Lady Spikers recovered from a second-set stunner to defeat the University of the East (UE) Lady Warriors, 25-12, 23-25, 25-14, 25-17, in the UAAP Season 87 women’s volleyball tournament at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City on Saturday, March 8.

Negrense Angel Canino had a near triple-double showing of 20 points, on 14 attacks, three blocks and three service aces, to go with 10 excellent digs and nine excellent receptions, to lead the Lady Spikers.

Baby Jyne Soreño and Alleiah Malaluan each finished with 12 points, while Amie Provido contributed 11 markers, including eight attacks, for the Lady Spikers, who notched their second straight win for a 3-2 record.

After being stunned by the Lady Warriors in the second set, 25-23, the Lady Spikers came out blazing in the third frame with a 13-1 start behind consecutive hits from Soreño en route to a dominant 25-14 set win.

The Lady Spikers jumped to a 7-2 opening in the fourth set courtesy of conversions from Canino and Provido.

The Lady Warriors closed the gap at 14-17 before DLSU went on a finishing run behind Canino, Del Castillo and Soreño.

“Actually, wala namang mahinang team ngayon sa UAAP. Lahat talaga matsa-challenge kang makalaban sila. Mataas na ‘yung level ng ginagawa ng bawat team,” DLSU assistant coach Noel Orcullo said after the game.

“Hindi mo pupwedeng sabihing mahina ‘yung kalaban. Kailangan talaga itsa-challenge mo rin ‘yung sarili mo para ma-overcome mo kung ano man ‘yung ibibigay na laban sayo ng kalaban mo,” he added.

Nessa Bangayan top-scored with 17 points, on 16 attacks and one block, while Kayce Balingit and KC Cepada added nine and eight points, respectively, as the Lady Warriors fell to a 0-6 mark.

Meanwhile, the Far Eastern University Lady Tamaraws (4-2) battled back from a set down to defeat the Adamson University Lady Falcons (2-3), 23-25, 25-15, 25-13, 25-10.

Gerzel Petallo continued her fine play for the Lady Tamaraws, finishing with a team-high of 16 points, from 14 attacks and two service aces, to go with 15 excellent receptions and five excellent digs.

Jean Asis contributed 15 points from six attacks, five service aces and three blocks, while Faida Bakanke ended with 13 points as the Lady Tamaraws notched their third straight win for a 4-2 win-loss slate./ASC, WDJ