Lady Spikers rise above the UP challenge
The De La Salle University (DLSU) Lady Spikers started their 2024 Shakey’s Super League campaign off strong with a four-set, victory against the University of the Philippines (UP) Fighting Maroons, 24–14, 18–25, 26–24, 25–12, earlier today at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum.
Shevana Laput topped the scoring for the Lady Spikers with 18 points, followed closely by Angel Canino with 16 points. The Taft-based squad also outperformed UP in terms of service, tallying 11 points to the Fighting Maroons’ four points.
The first set showcased La Salle’s overall prowess in all aspects. The Lady Spikers opened the game with three unanswered attack points from Amy Provido, Mary Reterta, and Jules Tolentino. This momentum continued as Reterta brought the teams into the second technical timeout with a toss, 16–8. They continued to dominate with a double digit lead until the end of the set, as Katrina Del Castillo ended the set with a service ace, 25–14.
However, the Lady Spikers lost their footing in the second set. The women in Green and White did their best to keep the advantage on their side, but they were outpaced by the Fighting Maroons. Though Alleiah Malaluan and Baby Jyne Soreño both scored four points apiece, the squad’s unforced errors played against their momentum. Moreover, UP’s Kianne Olango contributed to the their 25–18 set win with six points, eventually going on to be the top scorer for the Fighting Maroons with 12 total points in the game.
Entering the third set, the Lady Spikers took the court with redemption on their minds. Successful attacks from Canino, Provido, and Laput catapulted the Lady Spikers into the lead at 22–17. Nonetheless, Olango was able to tie up the game right as set point was on the horizon for the Green and White at 23-all. But the Laput-Provido duo were finally able to close things out for the Lady Spikers by the end of the extended set, 26–24, off a down-the-line attack and a huge block point respectively.
La Salle reasserted their dominance in the final set, quickly pulling away with a commanding 13–5 lead fueled by three unanswered points, highlighted by a Laput corner shot and a solid block from Canino. This prowess continued throughout the set with Provido contributing from the middle right into set point at 24–12. Laput clinched the victory with a powerful cross-court shot, sealing the match at 24–12 and putting an exclamation point on La Salle’s dominant performance over UP.
The DLSU Lady Spikers look to continue their winning ways against the Colegio de San Juan de Letran (Letran) Lady Knights on Friday, October 11, 3:30 PM, at the same venue.
Set Scores:
25–14, 18–25, 26–24, 25–12.
