UAAP: DLSU Spikers seek strong wins against UE, Ateneo

With two games left in the elimination round, the DLSU Lady Spikers will try to grab their sixth straight win when they take on the Ateneo Lady Eagles this Sunday, April 10, at the Mall of Asia Arena. The Green Spikers, on the other hand, will look to conclude their season on a high note when they take on the UE Red Warriors in the first match of the day.

In pursuit of a high note

Season 78 did not turn out the way the Green Spikers hoped for, as they suffered their ninth loss this season to the NU Bulldogs last Wednesday, April 6. Not only did they lose in five thrilling sets against the Bulldogs, 25-19, 25-27, 18-25, 25-21, 15-12, but they’ve also been removed from the Final Four picture for the third consecutive season. Raymark Woo led all scorers with 22 points but it wasn’t enough to avenge their first round loss to NU.

UE, on the other hand, is currently sitting at the bottom of the season standings with a 0-13 record. They failed to clinch their first victory this season after falling to Ateneo in three sets, 26-24, 25-21, 25-15. Edward Camposano was the only Red Warrior who reached double figures, finishing with 14 points on 11 spikes and three blocks.

Aiming for a sixth straight win

The Lady Spikers secured a twice-to-beat advantage after defeating the UE Lady Warriors last Saturday in straight sets, 25-16, 25-17, 25-11. It was veteran player Kim Dy who was hailed as the Player of the Game, spearheading La Salle with 14 points on eight attacks, three blocks, and three aces. She was aided by Ara Galang, who scored 12 points on nine attacks and two aces.

Meanwhile, the Lady Eagles also came out as victors last Wednesday in their game against UE, 25-15, 25-13, 25-11. Team captain Alyssa Valdez led the team after finishing with 17 points on 14 attacks and two blocks. Jhoana Maraguinot also chipped in 13 points on 10 attacks and two blocks.

In their previous meeting during the first round, La Salle pulled off an upset as they beat then league-leaders Ateneo in a three-set match, 25-22, 25-14, 25-18. Lady Spikers team captain Kim Fajardo was the adjudged Player of the Game as she racked up 13 points on seven aces while also delivering 16 excellent sets to lead DLSU. Galang and MaJoy Baron chipped in 10 points each, providing the crucial offense and floor defense that put the Lady Eagles away. On the other hand, Valdez led the Lady Eagles after scoring 11 points on 10 spikes.

The Green Spikers’ match with UE will be held at 8 am, while the game between the Lady Spikers and Ateneo will be the marquee match in the afternoon at 4:30 pm.