UAAP: Lady Spikers survive against feisty FEU

After winning their first nine games of UAAP Season 76 in straight sets, the DLSU Lady Spikers dropped their first set of the season but escaped the FEU Lady Tamaraws in four sets, 25-11, 23-25, 25-20, 25-10 last January 29 at the San Juan Arena.

Setter Kim Fajardo was hailed the player of the game with three attacks, two blocks, five service aces and 20 excellent sets. The win marked the 200th career UAAP victory in 249 games over 15 years for DLSU head coach Ramil de Jesus and it was also the 26th consecutive UAAP win for his squad.

On the other hand, the DLSU Green Spikers were able to bounce back from their five set loss against the ADMU Blue Eagles after surviving another five set thriller against the UST Growling Tigers last January 26 at the same venue, 17-25, 26-24, 27-25, 20-25, 15-9.

The Lady Spikers started with a good first set as they held a 10 point lead against the Lady Tamaraws, 17-7. Despite attacks from Charm Simborio and Remy Palma, La Salle continued its dominance and left behind FEU for good to win the first set, 25-11.

Both squads played a tighter second set. The Lady Tamaraws kept on challenging the defense of the Lady Spikers as they showed strong offense as well as great defense. Though La Salle held the lead for almost the entire set, FEU was able to loosen the hands of the Lady Spikers and tied the game at 20-all. Both teams exchanged points in the latter end of the set but a service ace from FEU gave them the win and they handed La Salle its first set loss, 23-25.

The Lady Tamaraws continued to take control of the match in the third set while the Lady Spikers were left struggling with their defense. However, the Taft-based spikers managed to stay composed to take a two point advantage, 19-17. Team captain Aby Marano lifted her teammates as she scored back-to-back points that brought them to match point. A smart hit by Fajardo brought back the momentum in the match for the Lady Spikers, 25-20.

The Lady Spikers were able to bring back their composure in the fourth set. A long rally was won by the Lady Spikers after a power hit by Mika Reyes to give them a one point lead at 9-8. Reyes then scored two more points with her powerful attacks. The Lady Spikers played the same way that they played the first set and it gave them a 10 point advantage, 20-10. Bench player Denice Tan was the surprise for the Lady Spikers as she became a weapon in the attack and blocking areas. La Salle then showed no signs of slacking off and it allowed them to win the match, 25-10.

The Lady Spikers will seek their 11th straight win of the season against the UP Lady Maroons on February 1 at 2 pm at the San Juan Arena while the Green Spikers will try to keep their Final Four bid alive as they go up against the FEU Tamaraws on February 2, 2013 at the San Juan Arena.