By Ardyn Gonzales
The De La Salle University Lady Spikers defeated the University of Sto. Tomas Lady Tigresses in the first five-setter match this UAAP Season 85, 25-20, 16-25, 25-8, 15-25, 16-14, Sunday, at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
It was a seesaw battle in the first four sets with La Salle and UST alternately pocketing two frames apiece before battling it out in a deciding set.
The Lady Spikers started strong in the fifth with an early 5-1 lead before the Lady Tigresses responded with their own run to equalize and force a series of deadlocks. Tied at 13-all, Jolina dela Cruz scored one for La Salle to reach match point.
Leila Cruz committed a crucial error to force a deuce, but UST committed back-to-back errors after Milena Alessandrini missed her service followed by an attack error from Eya Laure.
Former UAAP Juniors MVP Angel Canino made a dominating debut with 18 points and 11 excellent receptions. She received help from Jolina dela Cruz and Leila Cruz who contributed 14 and 12 points, respectively.
Eya Laure led all scorers with 19 points as UST started their season with a loss.
Image courtesy of UAAP
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