UAAP: Balanced attack on the Lady Bulldogs brings Lady Spikers into finals

The DLSU Lady Spikers took a step closer in the team’s three-peat aspiration after a strong performance against the Lady Bulldogs earlier today at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. The team’s defensive prowess helped in sweeping the Lady Bulldogs, 25-18, 25-23, 25-18.

Sophomores Ara Galang and Mika Reyes combined for 29 points, which include a series of timely attacks in the third set,which sealed the deal for the defending champions.

On the other hand, Lady Bulldogs Team Captain Dindin Santiago scored a game high 19 points to go along with three blocks while Carmina Aganon added eight markers.

Strong opening statement

La Salle wasted no time in the opening set as the team quickly established its momentum and dictated the pace of the game.Veterans Abi Marano and Michelle Gumabao provided the needed offensive spark as they carried the team to an early 12-8 lead.

National University then answered back with a little push as the team trimmed La Salle’s lead down courtesy of NU Team Captain Santiago. La Salle, however, managed to put down NU for good as Reyes and Galang scored the team’s last five points to clinch the win, 25-18.

Imposing championship composure

National U attacked aggresively during the second set. Santiago rendered the La Salle defense ineffective as she threw down a series of crosscourt kills to establish a slim, 7-6 advantage.

The Lady Spikers then scored the next six points, forcing the Lady Bulldogs to call a timeout.

The Lady Bulldogs responded and forced their opponents to make a series of unforced errors, which gave NU a 16-12 tilt.

After Coach De Jesus called for a timeout, the Lady Spikersmade a comeback to deliver the second set win, 25-23.

Series ender

The Lady Spikers finally slammed the door shut for the Lady Bulldogs in the final set as the team uncorked a 9-0 scoring run, which led to a 19-11 lead.

Galang and Gumabao capped La Salle’s third set with a series of service aces and spikes, 25-18.

Surviving a tough battle

Despite NU’s win in the blocking department by a point, 9-8, the DLSU Lady Spikers managed to win the match as the team had 44 attacks compared to the Lady Bulldogs’ 33.

Seniors Maraño and Gumabao proved their worth with a combined 21 points; five of which came from blocked attacks.

The ladies from Taft also tallied 27 good digs coupled with six service aces to make La Salle’s third title bid possible.

Lady Spikers Head Coach Ramil de Jesus explained, “Nakuha lang namin siguro sa service [aces] kasi marami silang service error, at doon namin nakuha ang advantage hanggang nagkaroon ng kumpiyansa ang team at ‘yung mga unforced errors hindi dapat nangyayari sa game kasi medyo mahirap kumuha ng puntos sa NU.”

Eyeing a bigger prize

After securing a win and DLSU’s UAAP General Championship (GC), the ladies are set to make a bid for the women’s volleyball crown for the third straight time. The Lady Spikers will face Ateneo next Saturday.