By ADRIAN STEWART CO

The De La Salle University (DLSU) Lady Spikers toppled the National University Lady Bulldogs, 25-21, 25-19, 19-25, 25-17, to complete a first-round sweep in the UAAP Season 88 women’s volleyball tournament at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City on Sunday, March 8.

Negrense Angel Anne Canino finished with a double-double of 14 points and 10 excellent receptions as the Lady Spikers improved to a 7-0 win-loss record in the standings.

Shevana Laput led the way with 19 points, on 15 attacks, three blocks and a service ace, to go with eight excellent digs.

Amie Provido contributed 12 points and nine excellent digs for the Lady Spikers.

La Salle appeared headed for a straight-sets victory after taking the first two frames, but the defending champions Lady Bulldogs fought back in the third set to keep the match alive.

However, the Lady Spikers quickly regained their rhythm in the fourth set, storming to a dominant 15-3 start that set the tone for the decisive frame and ultimately sealed the victory.

Rookie Samantha Cantada finished with a double-double of 13 points and 14 excellent receptions, while Chams Maaya added 10 markers for the Lady Bulldogs, which dropped to a 5-2 mark.

Meanwhile, the Adamson University Lady Falcons closed the first round of the eliminations with a 25-18, 25-15, 25-19 sweep over the University of the Philippines (UP) Fighting Maroons.

The Lady Falcons displayed steady control throughout the match, using strong offensive plays and solid floor defense to keep the Fighting Maroons at bay and secure the straight-sets victory.

Frances Mordi led Adamson’s attack with 17 points, while Shaina Nitura provided solid support with 14 markers as they improved to a 4-3 record, tying the Far Eastern University Lady Tamaraws and the University of Santo Tomas Golden Tigresses.

On the other side, Fina Ali paced the Fighting Maroons with eight points, while Joan Marie Monares and another UP contributor chipped in seven points each.

They slipped to a 3-4 mark./ASC, WDJ