Lady Spikers conquer Ateneo in straight sets
Following a disheartening defeat against the University of Sto. Tomas (UST) Golden Tigresses, the De La Salle University (DLSU) Lady Spikers claimed redemption as they swept the Ateneo De Manila University (Ateneo) Blue Eagles, 25 – 12, 25 – 22, and 25 – 19, earlier today at the SM Mall of Asia (MOA) Arena.
The first set commenced with Aleiah Malaluan’s powerful spike, swiftly followed by an impressive save from Lyka De Leon. Despite the Lady Eagles’ efforts, they struggled to penetrate the solid defense formed by Thea Gagate and Shevana Laput, who demonstrated remarkable prowess both at the net and from the open court. Laput’s formidable opposite attack left the Blue Eagles reeling, establishing an early lead of 5–1. As the game progressed, Gagate’s effective middle attacks further widened the gap, with Angel Canino adding to the Lady Spikers’ advantage with a well-placed spike, bringing the score to 7–3. Exploiting errors in the Blue Eagles’ game, the Lady Spikers capitalized on free points, extending their dominance to 11–5. Despite Ateneo’s concerted efforts to stage a comeback, Canino’s unwavering attacks propelled La Salle’s lead to 13–8. From there, Laput and Gagate’s formidable blocking prowess added three more to the separation before the second technical timeout. With Gagate’s precise service aces, La Salle surged ahead by 11 points, culminating in a set point after a strong open attack by Canino. The set concluded at 25–12, with Laput sealing it with a service ace.
In the second set, Ateneo kicked off with a strong start, claiming the first two points through attacks from the opposite side. Amie Provido’s single block brought the set to a tie at 4-all. During the first technical timeout, Ateneo led 8–7, but Julia Coronel’s well-executed one-two play soon leveled the score. Following service aces from Ateneo which prompted La Salle’s first timeout, Laput intervened with a robust attack from the open side, 9–11. Coronel effortlessly dropped the ball, bringing the deficit down to one point. The Lady Spikers soon caught up as Gagate’s swift and forceful middle attack reclaimed the lead for the Lady Spikers at 19–18. Ateneo, however, stayed close, matching La Salle point for point. Lyann De Guzman’s outside block touch at 20-all tied the game. A pivotal Canino-Gagate block at the net propelled La Salle ahead. Capitalizing on attack errors from Ateneo, the Lady Spikers neared the set victory at 23–22. Laput’s service ace then brought La Salle to set point before Canino sealed the set with a powerful attack from the open side, 25–22.
In the final stretch, the Lady Spikers were determined to conclude the match swiftly, asserting their dominance early in the third set as they established a 2–0 lead. Gagate’s formidable attacks from the middle extended La Salle’s advantage to four points. As Ateneo launched their offensive, La Salle struggled to counter, allowing the former to narrow the lead to five, 11–6. From there, Gagate’s consistent three-time block party widened the separation, pushing the score to 16–8. Despite Ateneo’s challenges against the Lady Spikers’ formidable blocks, La Salle held steady on defense. Del Castillo, entering the game for the first time, orchestrated a seamless setup for Canino, who executed an easy soft open spike, bringing the score to 20–15. A service error by the Blue Eagles further widened the gap. Nisperos attempted to disrupt the Lady Spikers’ floor defense, but Coronel’s strategic dropball added another point for La Salle, maintaining their advantage at 23–19. Soon the Lady Spikers reached match point, and the formidable Gagate-Canino block sealed the set, 25–19, concluding the match.
The Lady Spikers (3–1) are poised to extend their victorious run, as they face off against the University of the East (UE) Lady Warriors (1–1) on Wednesday, March 6, at 2 PM at the same venue.
Set scores: 25–12, 25–22, 25–19
Box scores:
DLSU 3 — Gagate 15, Laput 13, Canino 10, Malaluan 8, Coronel 7, Provido 4, Larroza 0, Soreno 0, Del Castillo 0, De Leon 0 (L), Hernandez 0 (L)
ADMU 0 — De Guzman 15, Buena 5, Sulit 5, Miner 5, Pacia 3, Nisperos 2, Tsunashima 1, Fujimoto 1, Delos Santos 0, Cortez 0, Doromal 0 (L), Hugo 0 (L)
