The DLSU Lady Spikers clinched a crucial twice-to-beat advantage in the Final Four after winning against the UE Lady Warriors in straight sets, 25-16, 25-17, 25-11, earlier today at the Mall of Asia Arena. With the win, they now have a 10-2 win-loss record and are tied with the Ateneo Lady Eagles at the top of the team standings.
Veteran player Kim Dy was adjudged the Player of the Game after scoring 14 points on eight attacks, three blocks, and three aces to lead La Salle. Ara Galang also chipped in 12 points on nine attacks and two aces. Meanwhile, Lady Warrior Shaya Adorador spearheaded UE with seven points on four attacks, two aces, and a block.
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Both teams were sluggish during the opening moments of the first set as UE capitalized on DLSU’s 14 unforced errors throughout the frame. With the score at 8-7 in their favor, the Lady Spikers made an 11-1 run to distance themselves from UE, 19-8. Both teams continued to trade points, with each squad not letting the other get more than three consecutive points. Eventually, DLSU won the set after Ernestine Tiamzon took the last point with a strong open attack, 25-16.
UE opened the scoring in the second set with attacks from Judith Abil and Roselle Baliton. However, La Salle answered back with six consecutive points, four of which came from the efforts of Dy. The Lady Warriors tried to close the gap with two back-to-back points courtesy of Adorador, but DLSU prevented them from reaching the breakpoint with a 4-1 run. The two teams proceeded to trade scores with one another, with La Salle maintaining its distance from UE. An open spike from rookie May Luna closed the set at 25-17, in favor of DLSU.
Similar to the previous set, the Lady Warriors got the first point and took an early lead, but DLSU immediately countered with a 4-1 run that swung the lead in La Salle’s favor, 4-2. Galang’s back-to-back attacks sparked a 16-1 run that gave the Lady Spikers a 17-point advantage, 20-3. The set progressed with La Salle keeping their lead and eventually, a UE error gave the set and match to La Salle at 25-11.
The Lady Spikers outperformed the Lady Warriors in all categories with 32 attacks, eight blocks, eight aces, and 26 unforced errors. On the other hand, UE finished with 10 attacks, six blocks, two aces, and 27 errors.
Up next for the Lady Spikers are their long-time rivals, the Ateneo Lady Eagles, whom they will face next Sunday, April 10, at 4:30 pm in the same venue.
