The DLSU Green Spikers closed UAAP Season 78 on a good note after winning against the UE Red Warriors in three sets, 25-16, 25-15, 25-18, earlier today at the Mall of Asia Arena. With the win, the Green Spikers finish the elimination round with a 5-9 win-loss record.
Raymark Woo and Cris Dumago spearheaded La Salle after finishing with 13 points each, followed by Arjay Onia, who ended his season with 10 points. Meanwhile, it was Ruvince Abrot who led UE’s side by scoring 12 points on 10 attacks and an ace.
The first set saw UE trailing DLSU all the way to the midway point of the set. The two teams proceeded to trade points, with La Salle maintaining their lead throughout the set. Eventually, an error made by the Red Warriors gave the first set to the Green Spikers at 25-16.
A drop ball by Woo sparked a 9-1 run to open the second set, giving La Salle an eight-point advantage. UE gradually cut the lead to three, 13-10, as they scored two points for every point DLSU made. However, the Green Spikers widened the gap once more with five consecutive points to put their lead at 18-10. The Red Warriors tried to catch up but the set eventually ended in favor of DLSU, 25-15.
UE got the early lead in the third set, scoring three points at the start. The Green Spikers answered with five points of their own to put them in the lead. The two teams could not distance themselves from one another, trading points as they tried to get ahead of the other. At 11-all, La Salle pulled away after going on an 8-2 run. The Red Warriors, led by Abrot, tried to make a late rally, but DLSU kept them from closing in on their lead. A UE error ended the third and final set at 25-18, in favor of La Salle.
In terms of team statistics, La Salle bested the Red Warriors in total attacks and service aces, finishing with 38 attacks and three aces as compared to UE’s 24 attacks and one ace. Meanwhile, the two teams tied in the number of blocks with eight each.
Having already played 14 games, the Green Spikers will have to wait for Wednesday to know their final standing this season. With FEU slated to face UST on that day, a win by the former will allow the Green Spikers to stay ahead of their General Championship (GC) rivals heading into the crucial stages of the GC race.
