LA SALLE OVERCOMES UST, BOOKS NINTH STRAIGHT FINALS
By Ardyn Gonzales
22 April 2017
The reigning champions De La Salle University Lady Spikers eliminated the University of Sto. Tomas Lady Tigresses in the semifinals for a chance to defend their title in the Finals, , 25-14, 25-20, 24-26, 25-13, April 22, Saturday at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum.
La Salle dominated UST in the first two sets, taking advantage of the poor reception of the Tigresses. Bombarded with loaded serves, the attacks of UST became more predictable for the strong blockers of the Lady Spikers.
UST, with season on the line, came out strong in the third frame for a quick 5-1 lead. But the odds went against the Lady Tigresses as ace spiker EJ Laure sprained her ankle.
Laure just shrugged it off and returned to the match as La Salle stole the lead, 15-13. She made her presence felt right away and scored an off-the-block attack.
The comeback of the former Rookie of the Year seemed to have made an impact to her teammates as they survived the late La Salle rally to claim the third set and extend the match, 26-24
But the momentum that UST gained in the third set quickly vanished in the fourth as La Salle was able to get an early 11-1 lead courtesy of their heavy serves. UST attempted to make a comeback but the Lady Spikers were unstoppable.
Five players, including the setter Kim Fajardo, scored in double digits for La Salle led by Majoy Baron with 17 points. While tandem of Sisi Rondina and EJ Laure had 30 points for UST.
La Salle will now advance to the Finals for ninth consecutive season.
Player of the Game: Kim Fajardo, 39 excellent sets and 11 points.
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