Lady Spikers dominate UE to go back on track
The De La Salle (DLSU) University Lady Spikers redeem themselves as they make quick work of the University of the East (UE) Lady Warriors, 25–15, 25–14, 25–15, earlier today at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
Coming from a heartbreaking defeat against the UST Golden Tigresses that put them at 0.500 after winning their first two outings, La Salle was determined to go back into the winning column.
Coach Ramil de Jesus shuffled things off for the Lady Spikers and started setter Julia Coronel for the first time, who immediately made her presence felt with back-to-back service aces. The Taft-based squad meant business today as they showed no mercy, going on a 7–0 run that put them in front by nine, 10–1. The Lady Warriors attempted to rally back, headed by Janeca Lana, but La Salle blew out that ray of hope, capping the first set, 25–15.
A different UE squad that graced the second set, going tit for tat with the Lady Spikers, even snatching the lead, 5–4, off a Percae Nieva quick. This went on until Fifi Sharma finally created a separation, 13–11, with her own version of a quick. From then, the Green and White started to pull away, as Alleiah Malaluan started to catch fire. A service ace from the super rookie placed the nail on the coffin and handed La Salle a comfortable eight-point advantage, 20–12. Jolina dela Cruz then took matters into her own hands to put the punctuation mark, 25–14.
Lana remained UE’s lone bright spot in the third, but it was not enough as the Lady Spikers have now created a massive fire. Sharma joined the scoring party, going back-to-back that put La Salle in front by six, 11–5. Malaluan continued to make wonders for DLSU, scoring from anywhere. It looks like the Lady Spikers have other plans today, as they quickly close out the set, 25–15, and the game, 3–0.
Malaluan was hailed as today’s Player of the Game, tallying 14 points off 11 atacks, two service aces, and one block.
This win improves the Lady Spikers to a 3–2 win-loss record, while UE has yet to find their first victory, falling to 0–5.
Catch the Lady Spikers as they battle the University of the Philippines (UP) Fighting Maroons on Tuesday, May 17 10AM at the same venue.
Boxscores:
DLSU 75 — Malaluan 14, Sharma 10, Dela Cruz 10, Gagate 9, Cruz 7, Coronel 4, Soreño 3, Hatulan 1, Espina 1
UE 44 — Lana 11, Nieva 10, Pelaga 4, Nogales 4, Manalo 3
