7 April 2019
By Ardyn Gonzales
The De La Salle University Lady Spikers closed in on the Final Four spot and possibly the twice-to-beat bonus as they sent the Adamson University Lady Falcons to their ninth loss, 25-15, 25-18, 25-16, in the UAAP Season 81 women’s volleyball tournament, Sunday, at the Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.
With their offense and defense picking up, the Lady Spikers were in full control all throughout the match, tallying a total of 34 attacks points in just three sets compared to the 24 of Adamson.
Despite suddenly losing momentum in the second set where Adamson managed to get a one-point lead over the defending champions, 16-15, after the technical timeout, La Salle quickly adjusted and unleashed a 7-0 run to eventually win the frame for a 2-0 cushion in the match.
The Lady Spikers then continued to roll in the third set as they quickly ended the match for their eighth win this season – good for their hold of the second spot in the standings.
Rookie Jolina dela Cruz led La Salle with 13 points on 9 attacks, 2 blocks, and 2 service aces, while team captain Desiree Cheng was not far behind with 11.
Bern Flora and Trisha Genesis carried the Lady Falcons with 7 points apiece.
The victory assured La Salle of at least a playoff for the Final Four, but they will secure their spot if they win against their archrival Ateneo in their next match-up.
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