By ADRIAN STEWART CO

The De La Salle University (DLSU) Lady Spikers pummeled the arch-rivals Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eagles, 25-15, 25-14, 20-25, 25-19, in the UAAP Season 87 women’s volleyball tournament at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City on Wednesday, March 12.

Negrense Angel Canino finished with 17 points, comprising 13 attacks and four blocks, for the Lady Spikers, who notched their third consecutive victory for a 4-2 win-loss record.

Shevana Laput delivered a season-high of 25 points, including 19 attacks, three blocks and service aces.

Alleiah Malaluan also made her mark with 12 points, on nine attacks and three blocks, for the Lady Spikers.

After failing to close out the match in the third set, the Lady Spikers found themselves in a tight contest, with the score tied at 14-all.

They then surged ahead to establish a 20-15 lead.

The Blue Eagles attempted to narrow the gap, bringing the score to 17-20 and 19-23, but a powerful spike from Canino, followed by a block from rookie Mikole Reyes, sealed the victory for the Lady Spikers.

“Whether the other team has injured players, we still have to play with respect because they are Ateneo at the end of the day,” Laput said in a post-game interview.

“As for our team, being true to ourselves, being authentic to ourselves, playing the game that we know, and sticking to our system,” she added.

Lyann de Guzman stood out for the Blue Eagles with 16 points, including 13 attacks and three blocks, while Alexa Miner contributed 13 points, as the team fell to a 1-5 win-loss record.

Meanwhile, the National University Lady Bulldogs (6-0) moved closer to a first-round sweep after a 25-21, 25-23, 25-18 victory over the Adamson University Lady Falcons (2-4).

Alyssa Solomon led the way with 22 points, built on 15 attacks, four blocks and three service aces, to go with five excellent receptions and three excellent digs for the Lady Bulldogs./ASC, WDJ