Lady Spikers outlast FEU in Shakey’s Super League debut
Team chemistry prevailed as the De La Salle University (DLSU) Lady Spikers shut down the Far Eastern University (FEU) Lady Tamaraws, 25–13, 19–25, 21–25, 25–22, 15–8 in their Shakey’s Super League (SSL) debut yesterday at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum.
Coach Noel Orcullo stood as the Lady Spikers’ head coach and with the All to Play rule by the SSL, the Lasallian community got a glimpse of the new faces of DLSU Women’s Volleyball.
Team Captain Marionne Alba immediately setup an A quick to Thea Gagate to score their first point and open their SSL journey. Although FEU were in the lead by the first technical timeout (TTO), 8–6, La Salle switched things up and claimed a six-point advantage, 16–10, come the second TTO. The Lady Spikers continued their enthusiasm and ensured a comfortable lead all throughout the set. Baby Jyne Soreño then capped the 19–5 onslaught, handing La Salle the first set, 25–13.
With a new rotation in the second set, rookie Amie Provido announced her presence and made a great first impression with a highlighted quick off a Julia Coronel set. However, the girls from La Salle were not able to catch up with FEU, who led the entire set. The Lady Spikers continued to fight back, but FEU was able to close the set after a long rally, 25–19.
The Lady Tamaraws carried on their momentum and took the third set as well. With a 16–12 lead by FEU, Soreño got an ace that put a stop to FEU’s run, but the Green and Gold showed who’s boss with a solid block from their team. The Lady Tamaraws reached set point, 24–20, with an emphatic block on Alleiah Malaluan, and a service error from Gagate to close out the set.
With Far Eastern taking the first point, La Salle did not let them go any further. Height was deemed a key factor as opposite Leila Cruz was subbed in with Thea Gagate right beside her. Nevertheless, the game remained close with La Salle in front, 16–15. Sharma and Gagate showed their grit mobilizing in the last few points of the set in service and attack. An attack error from FEU at set point kept La Salle in the game, 25–22.
Starting agressively, the Lady Tams opened the fifth with a running attack. Jolina Dela Cruz, however, stole the momentum back to the Green and White, 2–1. The game remained intense, but the composure showed by La Salle gave them a comfortable six-point advantage, 14–8, at match point. An Alba set to Malaluan on the left capped the set, ending the game, 15–8.
Malaluan was awarded the Shakey’s MVP of the match with 13 attacks, a block and an ace. She stated that the team’s character was tested this game without overall Head Coach Ramil De Jesus and that the Lady Spikers offer this game to him.
The DLSU Lady Spikers (1–0) will be up against their Taft neighbor CSB Lady Blazers (0–1) next Saturday, October 8, 4PM at the same venue.
