The remaining games in the elimination round will be more crucial than ever with teams vying for a place in the Final Four. The DLSU Lady Spikers will square off anew with the UP Lady Maroons as the prior will seek to build on its 7-2 win-loss standing and stretch their winning streak to three games.
UP on the other hand, has only won one of its last five games after opening the season with four victories in as many assignments.
First round encounter
Both teams previously faced off in the first round last February 5. The team from Katipunan emerged victorious in three sets, 25-22, 25-21, 25-19. Lady Maroon Nicolle Tiamzon finished with a game-high of 16 points, all of which came from attacks. On the other side, MaJoy Baron and Kim Kianna Dy emerged as the top scorers for the Green-and-White with nine points each.
Although the Lasallians earned more points than UP in terms of blocks, 11-4, they were simply outmatched in terms of attacks. The Lady Maroons went on to finish with 39 points off spikes as compared to only 23 for the Lady Spikers.
Recent performances
La Salle is coming off a four-set 25-21, 25-11, 15-25, 25-12 victory over the NU Lady Bulldogs. Both teams were virtually level in majority of the statistics although La Salle gained a distinct advantage on blocks and service aces.
The Lady Bulldogs only managed to get four blocks as the Lady Spikers went on to finish with nine, six of which came from Baron alone. La Salle produced 12 aces of its own, led by veterans Kim Fajardo and Dy, while the Lady Bulldogs only finished with three. Baron and Dy went on to finish as the game’s top scorers with 15 and 17 points, respectively.
UP, meanwhile, is also coming off a four-set victory over the UE Lady Warriors, 25-14, 18-25, 25-15, 25-10. Despite surrendering the second set, the Lady Maroons showed no signs of letting down as they eventually halted their four-game losing streak. Tots Carlos propelled the team from Katipunan to victory with 21 points on 15 spikes, four aces, and two blocks.
Both teams will be eager to build on their recent performances. DLSU will seek to push its winning streak to three games as UP will aim to sweep the elimination round series and earn its second consecutive victory.
The Lady Spikers and Lady Maroons will faceoff tomorrow, March 19, at 4 pm at the FilOil Flying V Centre.
