Following their contrasting results last February 22, the DLSU Lady Spikers and the UE Lady Warriors will square off tomorrow, February 26, at 2 pm at the FilOil Flying V Centre. The Lady Spikers are coming off a victory over the AdU Lady Falcons, 25-12, 25-16, 25-15, and currently eye a 5-1 win-loss record.
The Lady Warriors on the other hand, hope to record their first win of the season after going winless in five games. They were recently routed by the ADMU Lady Eagles, 25-14, 25-21, 25-21.
One sided affairs
While UE continues to struggle against the rest of the league, it has yet to win a single set against DLSU in recent years. In the last three seasons, the Lady Spikers have swept all their match-ups against the Lady Warriors.
In last season’s meetings, the Lady Warriors failed to halt their losing streak against the team from Taft. In their first-round encounter, they were swept, 25-10, 25-13, 25-21. Mika Reyes then led La Salle with 10 points.
In their following meeting, the Lady Spikers, this time led by Kim Dy, routed their opponents, 25-16, 25-17, 25-11. The eventual Finals Most Valuable Player that season recorded 14 points on eight attacks, three blocks, and three service aces.
Contrasting form
La Salle has been taking three-set victories in its recent games after its disappointing loss against the UP Lady Maroons. The Lady Spikers were able to bounce back with a win against the gritty NU Lady Bulldogs and the Lady Falcons. They will look to carry their momentum from these games.
In their face-off against the Lady Falcons, defensive specialist Dawn Macandili led her team with 16 excellent digs and 18 excellent receptions. La Salle relied heavily on the offense brought about by Dy, who scored 15 points on 10 spikes, three service aces, and two blocks. Aduke Ogunsanya also recorded 11 points coming from seven spikes and three service aces.
Although failing to notch a single victory so far in the season, the UE Lady Warriors remain hopeful despite having to face the potent defending champions. In their loss to the Lady Eagles, Mary Anne Mendrez led UE with 11 points off seven attacks, three blocks, and an ace. Ma. Shaya Adorador pitched in 11 points as well, scoring off seven spikes, three blocks, and an ace in their losing effort. Mendrez and Adorador both have been bright spots for UE, and will need further support from the rest of the team.
Despite going up against another winless team, there is no room for complacency for the Lady Spikers. Their veterans will once again have to lead the way as they hope to extend their winning streak.
