Written by Akari Sports Staff
LA SALLE yielded a set for the first time this season but was still able to extend its dominance of fabled rival Ateneo, 25-14, 21-25, 25-15, 25-17, in the UAAP women’s volleyball tournament at the Smart Araneta Coliseum Sunday.
It was the Lady Spikers’ 16th consecutive win against the Blue Eagles since 2017, with Lilay del Castillo taking the spotlight in securing a perfect 4-0 record.
Del Castillo had eight blocks, the most by a La Salle player since Celine Hernandez had nine in a 25-27, 25-20, 25-21, 16-25, 15-17 loss to Adamson on Dec. 9, 2007.
But Del Castillo downplayed her solid showing at the net, saying it was a team effort that keyed her feat.
“Hindi ko lang po iki-credit ‘yung blocks sa akin,” said Del Castillo.
“Credit ko rin siya sa wing spikers namin kasi hindi naman ako makakablock if hindi sila nakakatapat nang ayos, if hindi sila nakakabilang. I feel like for them din ‘yung eight blocks na ‘yun,” the third-year middle blocker added.
Noel Orcullo, Coach Ramil de Jesus’ trusted long-time assistant, knows that Ateneo, despite its winless record, will keep on pushing.
“Sa nakita namin kanina, ’yun ang lagi naming sinasabi sa kanila na hindi puwedeng biruin namin ‘yung kalaban. Masyado kaming nag-relax nung second set, ang layo nung first set na score ‘di ba?,” Orcullo said.
The Blue Eagles stole the second set with Jihan Chuatico and Ana Hermosura leading the charge.
“Sabi nga, ang Ateneo sobrang tiyaga, grabe ‘yung depensa nila sa baba kaya hindi mo puwedeng isipin na pag pumalo, iisipin mo score na,” Orcullo said.
The afternoon belonged to Del Castillo, who also had 7-of-14 kills and three service aces for a career-high 18 points.
With Shevana Laput out for a second straight match due to illness, Angel Canino took the scoring mantle for La Salle with 21 points and had five digs, while Amie Provido had three blocks for a 17-point effort.
Eshana Nunag continued her impressive play for the Lady Spikers with 19 excellent sets and scored six points, including three blocks.
