9 March 2019
By Ardyn Gonzales
The De La Salle University Lady Spikers finally put an end to the unfamiliar two-game losing streak as they swept the University of the East Lady Warriors in straight sets, 25-18, 25-20, 25-18, in the UAAP Season 81 women’s volleyball tournament, Saturday, at the FilOil Flying-V Arena in San Juan.
In their quest for a bounce back win, La Salle needed a hasty adjustment in their rotation, with their team captain Desiree Cheng sitting on the bench in this match to rest her shoulder injury. Coach Ramil de Jesus did not look any further as former starter Tin Tiamzon took over in lieu of Cheng.
After a convincing first set win, the Lady Spikers suddenly found themselves in a 5-12 disadvantage. Fortunately for La Salle, the teamwork and experience kicked in as they responded with their own run and turned things around to take over the lead heading to the second technical timeout.
UE momentarily tied the game at 18-all, until La Salle pulled off a 7-2 run to close out the set.
Both teams scored back-and-forth in the third frame, but the Lady Spikers once again pulled away in the latter part of the set to complete the sweep.
Rookie Jolina dela Cruz led La Salle with 14 points built on 9 attacks, 2 blocks, and 3 service aces, on top of 10 excellent digs. Tin Tiamzon also delivered with 10 points to fill in the void left in the first six.
Judith Abil, Mean Mendrez, and Zilfa Olarve each had 8 points in their loss against the defending champions.
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