Written by Akari Sports Staff | Photo: The UAAP
LA Salle needed a strong fifth-set finishing kick to fend off Adamson, 19-25, 25-20, 25-21, 13-25, 15-5, and move on the cusp of completing a first-round sweep in the UAAP women’s volleyball tournament yesterday at the Mall of Asia Arena.
Team captain Shevana Laput, who fired a career-best 26 points built on 19 attacks, six blocks, and one ace, was happy to see the Lady Spikers emerge victorious from a roller coaster game to improve to 6-0.
“We came to the game, our bodies were there, but our minds weren’t present. It took us until the fifth set to really gising, to wake up and realize that we came here for a purpose. We didn’t win two sets just to lose the fifth set. We didn’t come all the way to lose,” said Laput.
The Lady Falcons saw their two-match winning streak come to an end and later fell into a three-way tie in fourth place.
Later, University of Santo Tomas carved out a 16-25, 25-13, 25-19, 25-20 win over University of the Philippines to tie its victims and Adamson at 3-3.
It was La Salle’s first five-set victory of the season, a character-defining performance heading into Sunday’s Finals rematch against defending two-time champion National University.
“Noong natalo kami sa fourth set, sinabihan lang namin ‘yung mga bata na character ito. Dito na mailalabas kung ano ‘yung pinaghirapan niyo; dito niyo masusubok kung ano ‘yung meron kayo,” said assistant coach Noel Orcullo. “Nakita naman namin na gusto nilang lumaban, na gusto nilang manalo. Talagang ginusto nila.”
Season 85 MVP Angel Canino filled the stat sheet with 19 points, 12 digs, and 11 receptions. Shane Reterta also impressed with 10 points, 12 receptions, and 11 digs, while rookie setter Shan Nunag orchestrated 23 excellent sets.
Nigeria’s Frances Mordi paced Adamson with 22 points and nine receptions, while Shai Nitura, the league’s leading scorer, tallied 21 points that went along with 17 receptions and 10 digs.
Thirdy Tuddao also chipped in 11 points on seven attacks, three blocks, and an ace, while rookie Joy Aseo added eight points and 13 digs.
Adamson will try to end the first round on a high note on Sunday when it faces UP.
