The La Salle Lady Spikers' straight-set win over the FEU Lady Spikers gives the Taft squad its biggest boost of UAAP Season 87 so far.
La Salle head coach Ramil de Jesus was delighted to see the Lady Spikers more locked in, as they emerged victorious in a rousing sweep over fellow title contender FEU Lady Tamaraws in their last game of the first round in UAAP Season 87, 25-17, 25-20, 25-22, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Saturday.
After some so-so performances even during wins, de Jesus finally got to watch his players perform at the top of their game.
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For the decorated coach, what made the difference for the players was their mindset and their willingness to finish things as strong as they started.
“Sa nakita ko ngayon, well-focused sila and then hanggang sa matapos 'yung third set, andoon 'yung focus. Sometimes, may players talaga na 'di maiwasang mag-panic. May mga times na nagpa-panic, so ayun lang, medyo kailangan lang talaga makabalik,” said de Jesus.
“So, ito 'yung gusto ko-isa sa makita sa kanila [yung] mag-mature pa."
Indeed, the Lady Spikers were able to hold on to the gutsy win — especially in the third set — when they created distance against an FEU squad determined to take it into a fourth set.
Midway through the set, FEU was ahead, 18-17, after Gerz Petallo scored on a drop ball.
But La Salle, eager to finish the job, leaned on the scoring of Shevana Laput and Alleiah Malaluan as they towed the Lady Spikers to victory. Rookie setter Mikole Reyes then provided the finishing touch with a 1-2 play, 25-22.
Still, the job has gotten harder for the Lady Spikers as de Jesus now expects the same quality of play from his players all the time, especially as the race for the Final Four tightens in the second round.
“Actually, ito 'yung isa sa mga gusto kong makita sa kanila. So, hopefully magtuloy-tuloy. And once nakitaan ko sila ng ganitong galaw hahanapin ko sa kanila lagi 'yun every game," said de Jesus.
Laput paced La Salle to victory with 22 points while Malaluan added 12 points and eight excellent digs.
Angel Canino added 10 markers as well.
La Salle currently touts a 5-2 record while FEU, who were paced by Faida Bakanke’s nine points, are at 4-3.