Lady Spikers shoot down AdU, evens Final series

The De La Salle University (DLSU) Lady Spikers refused to take another loss as they shot down the Adamson (AdU) Lady Falcons, 25-23, 25-12, 25-18, in Game 2 of the 2023 Shakey’s Super League National Invitationals Finals earlier today at the Filoil EcoOil Center.

With this victory, the Lady Spikers evened the series at 1-1 and will meet AdU for the Championship decider tomorrow, August 13.

Shevana Laput was crowned the Most Valuable Player of the match with 18 points.

The first set started off with back-and-forth play up until 5–5, but it was the Green and White who stepped first into the TTO, 8–6. Adamson was adamant to catch up, but Laput kep La Salle in front this, 15-12. The Lady Falcons fought back and was able to level the set at 17-all, but Soreño quickly shut these efforts down. A power-tip by Laput took the score to 20-all. La Salle eventually took Set 1, 25–23, after an error from Adamson.

Another back-and-forth encounter started Set 2. DLSU found a way to end this, and led by two through the stable floor defense of Lyka De Leon. The first TTO was called with a four-point lead for La Salle, 8-4. A burst of attacks from the Lady Spikers gave them a 16-9 going into the second TTO. Maicah Laroza’s outside hit signaled the Lady Falcons to call for a timeout at 20-11, but Alleiah Malaluan at the service line kept the team with three straight points, 23-11, and a back row attack from Laput got the team to set point. Thea Gagate closed out the set with a dominating 13-point advantage, 25-12.

Ahead by two sets, the Lady Spikers once again headed into the TTO ahead, 8–7. La Salle continued their momentum as the Lady Falcons struggled to catch up, 12–8. Laroza took the Taft-based squad to second TTO with an off-the-block point, 16–10. AdU attempted to trim the lead, but two miscues proved costly as DLSU inched closer to claim the set, 21-12. A spike by Coronel on the second touch and a service error from Adamson gave La Salle the set, and the game, 25-18.

The DLSU Lady Spikers will aim to carry this momentum into Game 3 of the Finals tomorrow, August 13, 4 PM, at the same venue.

Set Scores: 25-23, 25-12, 25-18