The De La Salle University Lady Spikers extended their winning streak via a five-set win over the also-Final Four-contender Far Eastern University Lady Tamaraws, 25-17, 21-25, 16-25, 25-20, 15-5 in UAAP Women’s Volleyball, Sunday at FilOil Flying-V Arena in San Juan City.
After a dominating 17-4 start in the first set by La Salle, they saw themselves down a set, 2-1, as FEU came alive and paralyzed the offense of the Lady Spikers. With their improved defense at the net and strong serves, the Lady Tamaraws were able to limit the attack outputs of La Salle to just 16 in the second and third sets.
However, the two-time defending champions relied on their championship experience in the fourth frame to force a decider.
FEU kept things close, 19-21, but their two setters committed back-to-back consecutive setting error that widen the lead of La Salle. A check ball from Arianne Layug brought the Lady Spikers to set point followed by a gift for Desiree Cheng to seal the set.
With the momentum on their side, La Salle started the fifth set with a 5-0 run.FEU answered back and cut down the deficit to two, but the seniors Majoy Baron and Kim Dytook over in punishing the floor defense of the Lady Tamaraws to stretch the lead, 14-5. Another setting error from FEU’s setter concluded the match in favor of La Salle.
Majoy Baron showed to everyone why she is the reigning MVP, topscoring for La Salle with 18 points built on 10 attacks, 3 blocks, and 5 service aces. Another MVP in Kim Kianna Dy also had 18 markers.
Bernadette Pons carried FEU with 16 points, but she was not a major factor in the fifth set as the crucial rotation by Coach George Pascua put the team captain in the backline. She rotated in the frontline only when La Salle was already at match point.
Player of the Game: Majoy Baron, 18 points (10 attacks, 3 blocks, 5 service aces).
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