By ADRIAN STEWART CO
The De La Salle University (DLSU) Lady Spikers asserted their dominance over the University of the Philippines (UP) Fighting Maroons with a commanding 25-12, 25-15, 25-19 sweep in the UAAP Season 88 women’s volleyball tournament at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Wednesday, February 25.
The Lady Spikers imposed their will early, overwhelming the Fighting Maroons with a balanced attack and disciplined defense to secure their third consecutive win in as many matches.
Negrense Angel Canino spearheaded the Lady Spikers with 12 points, Ilongga Amie Provido and Shane Raterta added 11 markers apiece, while Maria Santos contributed 10 markers.
DLSU, playing without ill Shevana Laput, wasted no time establishing control, cruising through the opening set behind sharp offensive execution and solid net defense that limited UP’s scoring opportunities.
The Taft-based squad carried its momentum into the second frame, pulling away midway to build a comfortable two-set advantage.
UP showed flashes of resistance in the third set but struggled to keep pace with DLSU en route to a sweep defeat.
Casiey Dongallo, Jelai Gajero, Irah Jaboneta, and Niña Ytang all ended with four markers apiece for the Fighting Maroons, which dropped to a 2-1 win-loss card.
Meanwhile, the University of Santo Tomas (UST) Golden Tigresses secured their first victory this season after sweeping the Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eagles, 26-24, 25-18, 25-21.
Angeline Poyos led the charge for the Golden Tigresses with an outstanding all-around performance, finishing with 21 points built on 19 attacks, one block and one service ace as they improved to 1-2.
UST also drew key contributions from Regina Jurado, who delivered a double-double with 12 points and 11 excellent digs, providing both offensive support and defensive stability.
Meanwhile, Ateneo remained winless after three matches.
Dona Mae de Leon paced the Blue Eagles with 10 points, coming from seven attacks, two blocks and one ace.
Ana Hermosura and Zey Pacia chipped in eight points each./ASC, WDJ