The DLSU Lady Spikers remain unbeaten in UAAP Season 79 after defeating the UST Growling Tigresses in four sets, 25-23, 16-25, 25-14, 25-22, earlier today at the Fil Oil Flying V Centre. Despite fielding a younger lineup compared to the past few years, the Lady Spikers managed to overcome a number of UST rallies to clinch their second win in as many games.
“Nakita namin yung kapit nila sa fourth set,” DLSU head coach Ramil De Jesus said after the game.
Season 78 Finals MVP Kim Dy led all scorers with 16 points off 11 spikes and a game-high five blocks. Tin Tiamzon and Majoy Baron added 14 and 10 points, respectively, for the defending champions.
EJ Laure and Sisi Rondina led UST with 13 points each, while Marivic Meneses and Mary Pacres added 10 apiece.
DLSU and UST split first two sets
DLSU drew first blood off a Desiree Cheng service ace, but its errors allowed UST to stay within striking distance. Despite taking an 8-6 lead in the first technical timeout (TTO) of the first set, La Salle fell behind 10-9 after Rondina orchestrated a 4-1 run that gave UST its first lead of the game.
The Growling Tigresses could not keep their momentum going as service aces from Kim Fajardo and a service error from Rondina gave DLSU a 16-12 lead heading into the second TTO of the first set. La Salle appeared to be in control in the latter part of the first set after taking a 23-19 lead off a Baron tip, but UST would score three unanswered points to get to within a point, 23-22.
In the end, a Meneses service error and a Dy spike sealed the first set in favor of the Lady Spikers, 25-23.
Errors led to points for both teams during the opening moments of the second set, but Rondina and Laure broke a 6-all tie to give the Growling Tigresses an 8-6 lead heading into the second set’s first TTO.
UST was the more energetic team coming off the break between sets, as it hustled to the ball and received La Salle’s attacks well. DLSU could not add to its first set win as the Lady Spikers fell by as many as nine points, 24-15, off a Baron net touch error. Eventually, Fajardo’s mistimed reception ended the second set in favor of UST, 25-16.
La Salle’s defense wins the match
The Lady Spikers opened the third set with an early 4-0 lead from a couple of service aces from Cheng and attacks from Baron and Dy. Both squads would then trade attacks until a block from Dy and an error from Rondina led to the first TTO of the third set.
After both teams traded points, the Lady Spikers displayed composure and managed to keep up with UST’s consistent attacks.
Both Dy and Baron found their offensive rhythm as the former scored five points, while the latter blocked three of UST’s attacks, which included the point to clinch the set, 25-14.
La Salle was eager to finish the match after winning the third set as they went on a barrage of scoring runs to leave the Tigresses behind at the start of the fourth set.
The Lady Spikers led UST 12-2, with a spike from Pacres and a tip from Cortez serving as the only points for the team from España. Dy had three of her five blocks and scored five of her 16 points during that huge run.
La Salle’s lead ballooned to 17-4 until the Lady Tigresses decided to spark comeback. Rondina started a 5-0 scoring run along with attacks from Chloe Cortez and Caitlin Viray. UST continued to push further to pursue a fifth set, as they were able to pierce through the defense of the Lady Spikers. Eventually, La Salle’s big lead was brought down to two points, 23-21. However, a crucial service error from Pacres brought La Salle to match point and Cheng’s attack off a block sealed the second win of the Lady Spikers.
The Growling Tigresses had high hopes of obtaining their first win but a handful of errors cost them the game. UST committed a total of 32 errors compared to 23 from DLSU.
The Lady Spikers dominated the scoring through blocks and service aces. La Salle had ten of each whereas the opposition only had four and three, respectively.
La Salle will return to the same venue this Wednesday, February 15, versus the also undefeated UP Lady Maroons at 4 pm.
The scores:
DLSU 91- Dy 16, Tiamzon 14, Baron 10, Fajardo 8, Ogunsanya 5, Cheng 5, Luna 1, Cobb 0, Saga 0
UST 84- Rondina 13, Laure 13, Meneses 10, Pacres 10, Cortez 6, Viray 5, Lastimosa 3, Palec 1, Sandoval 0, Bicar 0, Cabanos 0, Francisco 0
