Following a devastating loss against the AdU Lady Falcons last weekend, the DLSU Lady Spikers managed to bounce back with a win against the ADMU Lady Eagles, 25-20, 25-17, 24-26, 25-20. The victory gives La Salle a 5-2 record, tying with FEU midway through the season.
“Coming into this game, we just remembered who we are and kung ano yung kailangan namin, that is to win,” commented Kim Dy who led DLSU with 21 points 11 attacks, seven blocks, and three service aces.
Exciting start
The Lady Spikers opened the first set with a scoring barrage by way of spikes and service aces due to a collective effort by the starters. ADMU tried to trim the lead multiple times but it was too late as the set would end with Baron converting the set point from a quick attack, 25-20.
The Lady Eagles, through their defense, sought to get back in the match after losing the first set. Errors from the team, however, served no good for La Salle as it only added to ADMU’s leverage to open the set, 8-5.
With Ateneo leading, 9-6, a crosscourt kill from Baron instigated four straight points from the Green-and-White to regain the lead. A smart play from Deanna Wong cut La Salle’s run short, but the Lady Spikers eventually responded with a 10-0 run to pull away from their archrivals.
Ogunsanya, who finished with 10 points, showed effectiveness on both sides of the court, as an attack and several blocks were vital in her team’s scoring run. In addition, Desiree Cheng converted three consecutive service aces to increase her team’s momentum.
With their backs against the wall, the Lady Eagles played aggressive as they continued to breakthrough the defense of the Lady Spikers. La Salle would trail by as much nine points when ADMU hit the 21 point mark via a spike kill by Tolentino.
The Green-and-White would then go on an incredible 10 point run to tie the game at 21, wherein several errors by the Lady Eagles and spike and block points were converted by Baron, Tiamzon, and Dy including two consecutive aces by Cheng.
ADMU would remain unfazed, however, as a spike kill by Tolentino took the momentum back, as ADMU claimed the third set, and prevented DLSU from making a comeback and sweeping the match.
“Nakita ko yung determination nila makahabol, pero ‘yun lang, medyo kinapos pa rin sa dulo,” said head coach Ramil de Jesus following the win over their archrivals.
Closing out
Although the Lady Spikers failed to secure a straight-set win, the Lasallians maintained composure and stayed aggressive on both ends of the court. Consecutive attacks from opposite hitter Dy gave DLSU an early three-point lead into the fourth frame. However, errors and net touch violations kept Ateneo in striking distance.
The offensive efforts of Kat Tolentino and Maddie Madayag compensated the effective scoring of DLSU until a five to nothing run midway through the set kept La Salle afloat. ADMU tried to retaliate by being consistent in their offense while the Lasallians continue to commit costly errors. As a result, the team from Katipunan trimmed the deficit to three, 22-19.
Finally, a kill from Tiamzon and a block from Dy against Tolentino gave La Salle match point. But a service error from last year’s rookie of the year, Samonte, denied ADMU’s hopes of a deciding set.
As of press time, the schedule of the second round of the tournament has not yet been announced.
The scores:
DLSU (3) – Dy 21, Tiamzon 13, Cheng 11, Baron 10, Ogunsanya 10, Cobb 6, Saga 1
ADMU (1) – Maraguinot 13, Tolentino 12, De Leon 11, Madayag 10, Samonte 7, Wong 2
