Written by Akari Sports Staff | Photo from The UAAP
LA SALLE pulled off a difficult 27-25, 15-25, 23-25, 25-23, 15-13 win over defending champion National University to jump straight to the Finals via a 14-0 elimination round sweep in the UAAP women’s volleyball tournament before 19,419 fans at the Mall of Asia Arena Sunday night.
The Lady Spikers were able to escape with the victory after getting a huge break in the challenge.
La Salle challenged for a block touch, and upon review, the video challenge referee saw an earlier infraction, a net fault violation on Arah Panique, before even the four-touches infraction that prompted first referee Jay Deriquito to call for a referee’s challenge, seeing the net fault to award the point, the win, and the Finals spot to the Lady Spikers.
“At least nakuha namin, nasweep namin. ‘Yung nangyari nung fourth set siguro talagang ginusto ng mga bata na manalo. Ever since lamang ang NU nung fourth set eh, talagang kinapitan. ‘Yung puso nandoon, talagang ginustong gusto talaga nila manalo,” said deputy coach Noel Orcullo.
“Sabi namin sa mga bata, mahirap itong pagdadaanan natin na sweep, kailangan lang talaga natin mag tiyaga. Tiyagain lang natin bawat puntos, huwag tayo maiinip, gawin lang natin kung ano ‘yung sistema na tinitraining natin. At least kahit papaano nung fifth set kinapitan pa rin, talagang ‘yung puso nandoon.”
It was the Lady Spikers’ 22nd Finals appearance, and they are gunning for a 13th title overall.
La Salle’s win triggered a step-ladder format for the last title round slot.
Shane Reterta was solid for La Salle with 21 points, including four service aces and three blocks, 18 receptions, and 15 digs.
“Hindi ko rin po inexpect na ganito ‘yung magiging outcome ng laro ko kasi gusto ko rin talaga tumulong sa ates, hindi lang tumulong, gusto ko rin talaga na isa ako sa nagko-contribute sa team, isa ako sa nasasandalan nila,” said Reterta.
Canino added a well-rounded performance with 15 points, 16 receptions, and 12 digs, while Shevana Laput contributed 16 points and nine digs.
Amie Provido also finished with 15 points built on 10 attacks and five blocks, while Lilay Del Castillo added seven points, highlighted by four blocks.
The loss, the fourth in 13 matches, denied the Lady Bulldogs the other twice-to-beat incentive in a traditional Final Four format.
