By ADRIAN STEWART CO
The De La Salle University (DLSU) Lady Spikers moved a step closer to an outright finals berth in the UAAP Season 88 women’s volleyball tournament after dispatching the University of the East (UE) Lady Warriors, 25-20, 25-18, 25-15, at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion on Wednesday, April 15.
The Lady Spikers improved to a pristine 13-0 record, putting them on the brink of completing a sweep of the elimination round — a feat that would automatically send them to the finals and activate a stepladder format.
It would also mark the program’s first sweep since 2014.
La Salle will try to finish the job against defending champion National University on Sunday, April 19, at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
The Taft-based squad previously defeated the Lady Bulldogs in four sets during their first-round meeting last month.
The Lady Spikers gradually pulled away in the third set, turning an early 4-4 tie into a 15-9 cushion behind a string of attacks from Shane Reterta.
They never looked back, closing out the match in just 78 minutes behind a balanced offensive effort.
Negrense Angel Canino and Shevana Laput led the way with 12 points each.
Canino also contributed on defense with 10 excellent digs and seven excellent receptions, while Laput added four excellent digs to her output.
Lilay del Castillo anchored the net with nine points built on five blocks, while Amie Provido chipped in eight markers.
Reterta and Mikee Santos provided additional support with five points apiece, as La Salle’s depth was on full display.
Meanwhile, UE remained winless through 13 matches and extended its losing skid to 27 games dating back to previous seasons.
Khy Cepada paced the Lady Warriors with 13 points, while Bangayan added 10.
Angge Reyes contributed on the defensive end with 10 excellent digs and eight receptions.
On the other hand, the Adamson University Lady Falcons dealt a major blow to the University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons’ Final 4 hopes with a 25-19, 25-18, 25-16 sweep.
With the win, the Lady Falcons improved to 8-5, claiming solo third place in the standings.
Shaina Nitura anchored the offense for the Lady Falcons with 26 points, on 23 attacks and three service aces./ASC, WDJ