17 February 2019
By Ardyn Gonzales
The defending champions De La Salle University Lady Spikers started their four-peat bid on a high note after beating arch-rivals Ateneo de Manila University Lady Eagles, 25-14, 25-17, 16-25, 25-19, in the UAAP Season 81 women’s volleyball tournament on Sunday at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
La Salle punished the defense of Ateneo in the first two sets, prompting the Lady Eagles to commit unforced errors and preventing them to set up plays.
Newly appointed head coach Oliver Almadro tried to re-shuffle the starters in the third frame by inserting rookie setter Jaja Maraguinot. Momentum shifted momentarily to the Lady Eagles as it was La Salle’s turn to have errors, especially in the last point that gave the set to Ateneo, no thanks to the miscommunication between Desiree Cheng and libero CJ Saga.
The Lady Spikers regrouped in the fourth set to establish an early 9-4 lead. La Salle maintained the lead and never looked back to deny the Lady Eagles a chance to extend the match.
La Salle once again exposed the weakness of Ateneo by bombarding them with loaded serves that translated to 15 service aces. With no decent first ball, the Lady Eagles had a difficult time in orchestrating their offense, hence the 21% attacking percentage.
Team captain Desiree Cheng led her teammates with 13 points, including the monster block on Kat Tolentino in the second set that triggered the traditional swag of La Salle. Rookie and Palarong Pambansa standout Jolina dela Cruz and senior May Luna both chipped in 11 points.
Only Kat Tolentino scored in double-digits for Ateneo with 16 markers.
La Salle extended their winning streak against the Lady Eagles, dating back to the championship match in Season 79.
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