LA SALLE CLOSES IN ON BACK-TO-BACK CROWN, TURNS DOWN ATENEO IN GAME 1
By Ardyn Gonzales
2 May 2017
The defending champions De La Salle University Lady Spikers finally defeated the league-leading Ateneo de Manila University Lady Eagles, 21-25, 29-27, 25-22, 25-20, to draw first blood in the Finals of the UAAP women’s volleyball tournament, May 2, Tuesday at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum.
La Salle started slow in the match with too many unforced errors that enabled Ateneo to get the first set. Still down in the second set, 22-17, Kim Fajardo started a run after producing great serves that disrupted the plays of the Lady Eagles and all of a sudden, the game is tied at 23-all.
The second set was extended with Ateneo and La Salle exchanging set points, but eventually, Kim Dy and Desiree Cheng pulled off clutch attacks to give the set to the Lady Spikers.
After losing the second frame when they almost had it, the Lady Eagles lost their momentum completely in the next two sets, as they succumbed the game to the defending champions. They had a chance to extend the match to a deciding set when they had an 18-15 lead in the fourth set, but their problem in receptions continued to haunt them as La Salle quickly stole the lead to finish the match.
Graduating Kim Fajardo led La Salle with 37 excellent sets and 10 points, evidently in that second set late rally.
“Siyempre kapag ganun, ayaw mo talaga patalo. Ayaw ko talaga ma-down yung team ko.”, said Fajardo.
Jhoana Maraguinot was the top scorer for Ateneo with 16 points, while Bea de Leon added 14.
The Game 2 is on May 6, Saturday, still at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum.
Player of the Game: Kim Fajardo, 37 excellent sets and 10 points
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