The DLSU Lady Spikers grab their second-straight win without superstar Angel Canino after holding off the pesky UE Lady Warriors in the UAAP Season 86 women's volleyball tournament on Tuesday, April 9.
De La Salle University remain undefeated in the second round after overcoming the University of the East in five tough sets, 25-23, 21-25, 25-17, 22-25, 15-12 in the UAAP Season 86 women's volleyball tournament at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Tuesday, April 9.
With a 9-1 slate, the Lady Spikers are tied at the top of the standings with the idle UST Golden Tigresses. The champs carry their strong record into their crucial rematch versus National University on Sunday.
In the decisive fifth set with a narrow 10-9 lead, the Lady Spikers relied on Shevana Laput and Thea Gagate, who led a four-point surge, bringing them to within one point of clinching the win at 14-9.
Despite this, the Lady Warriors fought back, saving three match points following a service error from Julia Coronel. This sparked a 3-0 run, including a block from Casiey Dongallo on Gagate and an attack error from Laput, narrowing the lead to just two points.
However, Gagate stepped up, sealing the hard-earned victory for La Salle with a powerful tip after a challenging two hours and 23 minutes of gameplay.
Gagate finished with a season-high 22 points on 17 attacks, three blocks, and one service ace. Laput contributed 21 points while Alleiah Malaluan added 12 markers.
In the first set, UE came out of the gates hot as the Lady Warriors built a seven-point lead at 21-14.
But just when everything seemed to go the Lady Warriors' way, the Lady Spikers came roaring back with an 8-0 run to snatch the lead at 22-21, and later the set victory.
UE, however, would not go away. The Lady Warriors managed to take the second set behind Dongallo and Khy Cepada.
In response, La Salle seemingly found its form in the third set, dominating UE. But once again, the Lady Warriors found a way to snatch the fourth set and force a deciding frame.
Cepada delivered her standout performance of the season, amassing an impressive 23 points with 19 successful attacks, two aces, and two blocks. Additionally, she contributed six excellent digs. Despite her remarkable efforts, UE faced a tough setback, falling to a 2-8 record in the standings, bringing them close to elimination.
On the other hand, Dongallo racked up 20 points, showcasing her prowess with 12 attacks, five aces, and three blocks.