By ADRIAN STEWART CO
The De La Salle University (DLSU) Lady Spikers tightened their grip on the UAAP Season 88 women’s volleyball tournament after dismantling the Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eagles, 25-13, 25-12, 25-18, at the Playtime FilOil Centre in San Juan City on Saturday, April 11.
Leading the charge for La Salle were Negrense Angel Canino, Amie Provido and Lilay del Castillo, who powered the team on both ends to keep its perfect record intact and move within striking distance of a sweep of the elimination round.
Canino top-scored with 15 points, while Provido and Del Castillo contributed 12 and nine markers, respectively, as the Lady Spikers extended their unbeaten run to 12 matches.
Rookie setter Eshana Nunag continued to impress for the Lady Spikers as she tallied 22 excellent sets for the Player of the Game honors in the dominant win.
With the win over their long-time rivals, La Salle edged closer to securing an outright berth in the finals — a reward reserved for teams that complete a clean sweep of the preliminaries.
La Salle now turns its attention to its Final 2 elimination assignments, where it will face the still-winless University of the East before taking on defending champion National University in what could be a crucial closing match.
On the other hand, Ateneo’s struggles persisted as it absorbed its fifth straight loss, dropping to a 1-11 record. They were led by rookie Ana Hermosura with nine markers.
Meanwhile, the Adamson University Lady Falcons delivered in the clutch to turn back the University of Santo Tomas (UST) Golden Tigresses, 27-25, 25-20, 26-24, and secure a share of third place.
Shaina Nitura and Nigerian wing spiker Frances Mordi powered the Lady Falcons’ offense, tallying 19 and 18 markers, respectively, boosting their Final 4 drive with only a few games left in the elimination round.
The win lifted Adamson to a 7-5 record, tying UST for third place while staying ahead of fellow contenders Far Eastern University Lady Tamaraws (6-5) and University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons (5-6).
The Golden Tigresses were led by Angeline Poyos with 15 markers./ASC, WDJ