By ADRIAN STEWART CO
The De La Salle University (DLSU) Lady Spikers continued their strong start in the UAAP Season 88 women’s volleyball tournament after sweeping the University of Santo Tomas (UST) Growling Tigresses, 25-14, 25-15, 26-24, at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City on Sunday, February 22.
Negrense Angel Canino tallied 13 points, including nine attacks, three blocks and one ace, as the Lady Spikers notched their second consecutive victory in as many matches.
Shevana Laput led the Lady Spikers with 22 points built on 17 attacks, four blocks and one service ace, while rookie setter Eshana Rose Nunag orchestrated the offense with 16 excellent sets and added three points.
La Salle dominated the first two sets behind its balanced attack and solid net defense, but UST mounted a late challenge in the third frame.
The Growling Tigresses erased a 10-14 deficit and eventually tied the set at 24-all, threatening to extend the match.
However, the Lady Spikers stayed composed in the closing moments, delivering the key points needed to complete the straight-sets victory.
Angeline Poyos was the lone double-digit scorer for UST with 16 points as the Growling Tigresses fell to 0-2, their worst start since Season 79 in 2017.
In the other women’s match, the University of the Philippines (UP) Fighting Maroons rallied from two sets down to defeat Ateneo de Manila University, 17-25, 19-25, 25-22, 25-23, 16-14, to remain unbeaten at 2-0.
The Fighting Maroons showed resilience after a slow start, taking the last three sets through steady offense and timely defensive plays.
Niña Ytang led UP with 15 points coming from 11 attacks, three blocks and one ace.
Irah Jaboneta contributed 14 points along with eight excellent digs and seven excellent receptions, while Fina Ali and Casiey Dongallo added 13 points each.
Ali delivered a crucial hit late in the deciding fifth set to help seal the comeback victory.
Jennifer delos Santos paced Ateneo, which dropped to 0-2, with 21 points.
Ana Hermosura added 19 points, while Dona Mae de Leon and Zey Pacia chipped in 15 and 14 points, respectively./ASC, WDJ