Lady Archers sweep Fil-Oil group stage

After a disappointing second place finish in UAAP Season 75, coach Tyrone Bautista and the DLSU Lady Archers went back to the gym with one thing in mind: a championship. Though the UAAP has yet to begin, they have made significant strides during the offseason, evidenced by their 4-0 record at the end of the group stage of the Fil-Oil Flying V Preseason Premiere Cup.

The tenacious Lady Archers won their first three games by an average of just 5.67 points per game, but capped off their elimination campaign with a 23-point rout of the ADMU Lady Eagles. Throughout their winning streak, the Lady Archers averaged 65.25 points per game as a team and held their opponents to just 31.75 percent field goal shooting. It has been a promising campaign for La Salle and they have shown that they can win close games by making big plays down the stretch.

A pillar of strength

Leading the charge once again for the Lady Archers is fourth-year forward Ara Abaca who has averaged 13 points and 11.75 rebounds per game for Bautista’s squad. The UAAP Mythical Five member has showcased a refined and consistent jump shot while also rebounding the ball better, highlighted in her dominant season-high 19 rebound performance against LPU. Abaca has been the most consistent member of the team over the past few years and will be banked on to carry the charge for the Green and White.

The supporting players also played a key role for La Salle during the preseason. Center Cass Santos has averaged 7.5 points and eight rebounds in her new starting role, stepping in for perennial starter Kady Wilson who has already used up her eligibility. Santos’ steady play underneath has been a vital cog in the defensive schemes of the Lady Archers.

Meanwhile, Trish Piatos has provided support to the inside duo, averaging nine points and two three pointers made per game. The diminutive Piatos has been a revelation and she put on a show in their victory against CEU when she tallied 22 points, highlighted by six three pointers in 26 minutes of play.

One step closer

Coach Tyrone Bautista’s squad has made several improvements from where they left off last year but there is still much room for improvement. Throughout the Fil-Oil Preseason Cup, they have averaged a sub-par 66.75% from the free throw line and have coughed up 21.75 turnovers per game.

As the only undefeated team at the end of the group stage though, they have the unenviable burden of expectations on their shoulders. With the UAAP season less than a month away, the veteran Lady Archers look ready to make another serious run for the championship.