With two games left in their schedule, the DLSU Lady Spikers continue to ramp up their preparations for the crucial stages of their title defense. Tomorrow, the Lady Spikers will look to extend their perfect second-round run against the winless AdU Soaring Falcons.
Having already secured the twice-to-beat advantage with a victory in their last game, the Lady Spikers have the opportunity to secure the top seed heading into the Final Four with a victory prior to their elimination round finale versus the ADMU Lady Eagles.
UAAP Season 79 has not been too kind to the Lady Falcons as they have yet to secure a victory. A win against the defending champions would give them a boost heading into the offseason and Season 80.
Lady Spikers clinch twice-to-beat, Lady Falcons continue slump
The Lady Spikers are currently on a five-game winning streak, with their last win over the UST Golden Tigresses allowing them to secure the crucial twice-to-beat advantage. Winning in three sets, 25-23, 25-22, 25-21, DLSU relied on Desiree Cheng and Kim Dy, who finished with 13 and 12 points respectively. Sisi Rondina added 13 points on 12 attacks, while EJ Laure finished the game with 11 points.
UST would lead during the early portions of the game, but the efforts of Dy, Cheng, Tin Tiamzon, and Aduke Ogunsanya allowed DLSU to fight back in the end. Dy suffered an ankle injury during the third set, but Tiamzon and Baron were able to hold down the DLSU front enroute to the victory.
The Lady Falcons’ woes continued when they took on the ADMU Lady Eagles last March 26, losing on a 25-13, 25-13, 25-11 blowout to last season’s runner-ups. AdU could not get their rhythm going as they fell 16-0 to the Lady Eagles at one point. Joy Dacoron led the Lady Falcons with eight points, while Kim Gequillana finished with a game-high 11 points.
Key to victory
Both teams played against one another a little over a month ago, with the Lady Spikers securing a quick 25-12, 25-16, 25-15 victory over the Lady Falcons in the FilOil V Flying Centre. Dy led all scorers with 15 points, while Ogunsanya score 11 points on seven attacks and three service aces. Led by Player of the Game Dawn Macandili, La Salle prevented AdU from completing any comebacks and eventually ending the game in three sets.
Another strong effort from Macandili will be one of the keys to victory, as the Lady Spikers normally have a lot of options on offense. The libero’s effort on defense has led to many saved rallies that have not gone unnoticed to those following DLSU’s games. A consistent effort on blocks will also help them end this match quickly and allow them to rest the likes of Dy, who is recovering from injury.
Knowing that they can still secure the overall top seed, the Lady Spikers will treat this game as if it was an elimination game in order to stay in top shape prior to their game against ADMU. On the other hand, a victory would be a positive sign in what was a tough season for the Lady Falcons. Although both teams are heading in different directions this season, expect both teams to go all out for the win.
DLSU and AdU will face off tomorrow, Saturday, April 1, at 2 pm at the Mall of Asia Arena.
