By Ardyn Gonzales
Newly minted team captain Shevana Laput delivered 23 points to power the De La Salle University Lady Spikers to a straight-set victory over the Far Eastern University Lady Tamaraws, 25-19, 25-14, 27-25, in their opening game of the UAAP Season 88 women’s volleyball tournament, Saturday, at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
After losing back-to-back games in the finals series last season, La Salle looked sharper and more composed, headlined by their seniors Laput, Angel Canino, and Amie Provido. Canino and Provido’s experience with Alas Pilipinas proved to be valuable as they tallied 15 and 11 points, respectively.
The Lady Spikers quickly built a 2-0 lead in the match and took advantage of the reception woes of the Lady Tamaraws, who only tallied 11.8% reception efficiency.
In the third set, however, FEU fought back and even threatened to extend the match after reaching set point, 24-22.
Canino and Laput then connived to overturn the deficit with a counter 5-1 run to win the set from behind and seal the victory in straight sets.
Meanwhile, Gerz Petallo was the lone bright spot for FEU who tallied 11 points as their usual gunners Faida Bakanke and Jaz Allarina were limited to five and six markers, respectively.
La Salle (1-0) will be tested in their next match up as they face UST in another highly anticipated rivalry match, while FEU (0-1) will aim to bounce back against UE.
Featured image courtesy of UAAP
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