Coming off a virtuoso performance against the UE Lady Warriors, the DLSU Lady Spikers will look to further build on its momentum versus the UST Golden Tigresses and extend their winning streak to five games. La Salle currently holds a 9-2 win-loss record and is one game behind the first seed ADMU Lady Eagles.
Meanwhile, the Golden Tigresses are currently ranked in third place with a 7-4 win-loss record and have yet to book a seat to the Final Four. Just trailing the team from Espana with seven wins in 12 games are the UP Lady Maroons and NU Lady Bulldogs.
First round encounter
La Salle and UST previously squared off last February 11 in the first round of the women’s volleyball tournament. The prior emerged as the victor in four sets, 25-23, 16-25, 25-14, 25-22. Kim Kianna Dy led all scorers with 16 points on 11 attacks and five blocks. Tin Tiamzon and MaJoy Baron rounded up the double-digit scorers for the team from Taft with 14 and 10 points, correspondingly.
For the Golden Tigresses, EJ Laure and Sisi Rondina led the way with 13 points each. Laure notched all of her points on attacks, while Rondina also finished with 11 spikes.
Although UST outscored the Green-and-White on attacks 54-39, the latter managed to gain an advantage on blocks and service aces. The Lady Spikers finished with 10 blocks and 10 aces as compared to the four blocks and three aces for the team from Espana. Kim Fajardo once again proved to be instrumental as she paced the Lasallian offense with 39 excellent sets.
Recent performances
The Lady Spikers outclassed the UE Lady Warriors, 25-16, 25-15, 25-9, last Saturday, March 25. With the Lady Spikers establishing control throughout the game, head coach Ramil De Jesus grasped the opportunity to utilize his bench, led by the likes of rookie Michelle Cobb and sophomore May Luna. Desiree Cheng bagged player of the game honors as she recorded 10 points on nine spikes and an ace.
On the other side, the Golden Tigresses are also coming off a victory over the FEU Lady Tamaraws. UST dismantled the Lady Tamaraws in four sets, 17-25, 25-17, 26-24, 25-21. Laure and Rondina once again led the way for UST on the scoring end. The prior recorded 20 points on 19 attacks while the latter followed up with 15 points on 10 attacks, three blocks, and two aces.
Despite booking a ticket to the Final Four, the Lady Spikers cannot afford to be complacent as the Golden Tigresses are still in the hunt for playoff contention. It will also be essential for the Lasallians to furthermore establish a rhythm heading into the crucial stages of their title defense. Both teams will square off today, March 29, at 4 pm in the FilOil Flying V Centre.
