By Ardyn Gonzales
The De La Salle University Lady Spikers claimed the second spot and the twice-to-beat advantage after turning back their post-season’s tormentors University of Sto. Tomas Golden Tigresses in the playoffs, 23-25, 25-20, 30-28, 29-27, in the UAAP Season 87 women’s volleyball tournament, Wednesday at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
It was a statement win for La Salle that lost the twice-to-beat advantage last year to UST. The Lady Spikers also lost the semis bonus to the Golden Tigresses in a playoff back in Season 81.
After surrendering the first set, La Salle showed grit and determination in the next three frames, including the extended third and fourth sets where they dug deep and overcame a 13-18 and 17-22 deficit.
In the fourth, UST was already three points away from forcing another five-setter until La Salle forced a 22-all deadlock with a 5-0 run. Reg Jurado and Angge Poyos stopped the bleeding to bring the Golden Tigresses to set point, 24-22.
However, Alleiah Malaluan pulled off a timely block on Poyos and fired a service ace to force a deuce. Just like in the third set, the Lady Spikers and Golden Tigresses exchanged points and errors until Shevana Laput came out clutch with a strong d-ball attack and completed the come-from-behind win for La Salle.
La Salle lorded it over at the net after demonstrating their best blocking performance this season, tallying season-high 20 kill blocks against UST in the playoffs.
Angel Canino once again led the Lady Spikers with 24 points complemented by 10 excellent digs and 12 excellent receptions. Laput also reached the 20-point mark with 22 points of her own.
Meanwhile, Poyos was able to match Canino’s output with 24 points, but the supporting cast was missing as Jurado only produced half of Poyos’ output.
Just like in Season 85, La Salle will have the upperhand with a twice-to-beat advantage as they face UST again in the semi-finals for the fourth time since Season 81.
Featured image courtesy of UAAP
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