Written by Akari Sports Staff
LA Salle nipped Far Eastern University, 25-17, 25-22, 23-25, 19-25, 15-10, to secure a twice-to-beat incentive in the UAAP women’s volleyball Final Four on Wednesday at the Mall of Asia Arena.
Now sporting an 11-0 record, the Lady Spikers still have bigger goals to achieve, with an outright Finals berth still on the horizon if they go on to sweep the double-round eliminations.
Cool and calculated, La Salle regained its composure after squandering a two-set lead.
“Unang-una, nung fifth set, sinabihan lang sila ni Coach Ramil na balik, kalimutan yung nangyari sa third set at fourth set, balik kung ano yung inumpisahan namin. Sumunod lang sila sa kung ano yung gustong mangyari ni coach, kaya ayun, nakuha yung fifth set,” said deputy coach Noel Orcullo.
Angel Canino, who finished with 24 points, 14 digs, and 10 receptions, knows that the Lady Spikers not only need to elevate their game but also polish their performance at this crucial stage of the season.
“Itong match na ito, sobrang grateful kami kasi napanalo namin, pero I think, kailangan din talaga tingnan namin kung ano ang nangyari sa game na ‘to. Hindi lang yung result kasi madami kaming mga lapses talaga as a team na pwede namang maiwasan, so, more on balik kami doon sa basic,” Canino said.
Shevana Laput added 25 points and seven digs, while Amie Provido also came up huge with 17 points on 10 attacks, six blocks, and an ace. Rookie playmaker Shan Nunag continued to impress with 32 excellent sets.
La Salle will next face fabled Ateneo on Saturday at the Playtime Filoil Centre before closing the second round against last-place University of the East on the 15th and defending champion National University on the 19th.
