By ADRIAN STEWART CO

The De La Salle University (DLSU) Lady Spikers clinched a twice-to-beat advantage in the UAAP Season 87 women’s volleyball Final Four after a 23-25, 25-20, 30-28, 29-27 victory over the University of Santo Tomas Golden Tigresses at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City on Wednesday, April 30.

Negrense Angel Anne Canino stood out with 24 points from 19 attacks, four blocks and one service ace, along with 12 excellent receptions and 10 excellent digs for the Lady Spikers.

Shevana Laput added 22 points, consisting of 19 attacks, two blocks and one service ace.

Alleiah Malaluan and Amie Provido contributed 11 and 10 points, respectively, for DLSU.

After a close defeat in the first set, the Lady Spikers started strong in the second set, leading 20-14.

The Golden Tigresses rallied to 18-20, but DLSU responded with five consecutive points to level the set score.

They also took a 19-14 lead in the third set, but they could not maintain it as the Lady Spikers equalized at 28-all before Canino finished the set with two consecutive hits.

Similarly, in the fourth set, the Golden Tigresses led 22-17, but the Lady Spikers fought back to tie the score at 27-all before concluding the match with attacks from Lilay del Castillo and Laput.

“Pinakita lang ng mga bata ‘yung puso na gusto nilang manalo, kaya siguro ganun ‘yung naging resulta,” Lady Spikers assistant coach Noel Orcullo said in a post-game interview.

“Sabi nga namin sa kanila, ‘Hindi pa tapos ‘yung laban. Kaya pa natin dumikit. Bakit hindi natin tyagain na kunin natin itong set at panalo na ito? Hanggang hindi umabot sa 25 points ‘yung kalaban, huwag kayong bibitaw. Kapitan niyo,’” he added.

Angeline Poyos excelled with a triple-double, recording 24 points, 13 excellent digs and 12 excellent receptions.

Regina Jurado contributed 12 points for the Golden Tigresses./ASC, WDJ