Written by Akari Sports Staff | Photo from the UAAP
The De La Salle University Lady Spikers repeated over the University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons, 25-15, 25-18, 25-20, to secure the first Final Four ticket in the UAAP women’s volleyball tournament Sunday at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion Arena.
The Lady Spikers, who raised their unbeaten record to 10-0, had other goals in mind, as their bid for an outright Finals berth remains on track.
It was La Salle’s 16th straight Final Four appearance since the 2008-2009 season.
“Sa akin kasi, basta may dumating magpiprepare lang kami every game. Kung ano man ang standing namin, secondary na lang yun, result na lang yun. Basta sabi ko lang sa mga bata maghanda lang tayo, bigyan ng respeto ang bawat kalaban although nadaanan na natin nung first round,” said long-time Lady Spikers head coach Ramil de Jesus.
Captain Shevana Laput was ultra-efficient after struggling in the previous match on 14-of-24 attacks and had two blocks to finish with 16 points, while Angel Canino chipped in 15 points on 13-of-22 spikes.
Amie Provido added 10 points on four attacks, four blocks, and two aces, while Shane Reterta and Lilay Del Castillo had nine and eight points, respectively, for La Salle.
“Honestly, hindi naman po ako ganon ka parang mature pa. Kahit na yun po yung nakakita po ng mga iba. Dahil lang din po siya sa tulong po ng coaches and ates,” said rookie Shan Nunag, who tossed in 15 excellent sets.
It was another strong performance for the Lady Spikers, who also overpowered the Fighting Maroons in the first round, 25-12, 25-15, 25-19.
Up next for La Salle is Far Eastern University, which is coming off a four-set loss to University of Santo Tomas last Sunday, on April 8 at the Mall of Asia Arena.
