27 February 2019
By Ardyn Gonzales
The De La Salle University Lady Spikers escaped the challenge posed by the National University Lady Bulldogs, 25-10, 20-25, 27-25, 25-22, to remain atop the current standing in the UAAP Season 81 women’s volleyball tournament at the FilOil Flying-V Arena in San Juan.
The Lady Spikers saw themselves struggling in the second frame after a dominant first set win. With numerous unlikely service errors piling up from the defending champions, the rookie tandem of Cess Robles and Ivy Lacsina took advantage and propelled the Lady Bulldogs to stealing a set.
La Salle quickly retaliated in the third set, but not without the challenge from the rookie-laden NU squad as they forced a 16-all deadlock after being down by a huge lead. The Lady Bulldogs dragged the Lady Spikers into an extended set, but the veterans of La Salle took over and prevailed for a 2-1 advantage, thanks to the clutch off-the-block attack from May Luna.
NU continued to threaten La Salle in the fourth set, but they came short as Desiree Cheng completed the third win for the Lady Spikers.
May Luna emerged as the top scorer for La Salle with 14 points, with the help from Aduke Ogunsanya who tallied her career-high 13 points on 8 attacks, 3 blocks, and 2 service aces.
The super rookies of NU Cess Robles and Ivy Lacsina stepped up and combined for 34 points.
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