By ADRIAN STEWART CO

The De La Salle University (DLSU) Lady Spikers staved off a gritty stand by the University of Santo Tomas (UST) Golden Tigresses for a 25-22, 11-25, 25-21, 25-21 victory in the UAAP Season 87 women’s volleyball Final Four at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Saturday night, May 3.

Negrense Angel Anne Canino finished with 19 points, from 17 attacks and two blocks, to go with six excellent digs and five excellent receptions as the Lady Spikers achieved their 21st UAAP finals appearance.

Ilongga Amie Provido added 15 markers, from 11 attacks, three service aces and a block, while Shevana Laput contributed 14 points, from 11 attacks and three blocks, for the Lady Spikers.

DLSU thus set up a best-of-three championship clash with the defending champion National University Lady Bulldogs in a rematch of the Season 85 finals won by the Lady Spikers.

After seeing their 20-16 fourth set lead turned to a 20-all score by a last-gasp rally by UST, DLSU responded with four straight points from Lilay del Castillo and Canino to reach match point at 24-20.

The Golden Tigresses managed to save a match point on a conversion from Angeline Poyos, but she also committed a costly service error, securing the finals seat for the Lady Spikers.

Poyos finished with 22 points, from 20 attacks and two service aces, while Regina Jurado added 21 markers, including 20 attacks, for the Golden Tigresses.

Meanwhile, the Lady Bulldogs battled back from two sets down to defeat the Far Eastern University Lady Tamaraws, 20-25, 22-25, 25-23, 25-14, 17-15, in their Final Four encounter.

Mhicaela Belen led the team with a triple-double of 24 points, 14 excellent digs and 10 excellent receptions, guiding the Lady Bulldogs to their fourth consecutive appearance in the UAAP finals.

Alyssa Solomon added 21 markers, from 18 attacks, two service aces and a block, while Evangeline Alinsug and Chams Maaya contributed 18 and 13 points, respectively, for the Lady Bulldogs./ASC, WDJ