The DLSU Lady Spikers continue rolling in round 2 of UAAP Season 87, dominating the UE Lady Warriors to keep second place in the Final Four race.
La Salle continued to hold no. 2 in the standings after the Lady Spikers drubbed the UE Lady Warriors in straight sets, 25-22, 25-13, 25-23, in their second round encounter of UAAP Season 87 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Saturday.
After their first round match reached four sets, La Salle was eager to make sure to pounce on the Lady Warriors.
La Salle actually bucked a slow start and quickly regrouped in the second and third sets to restore order as the Lady Spikers cruised to victory.
In set 3, La Salle jumped to a 4-0 lead before holding off a late UE run that tied the count at 21. Angel Canino provided key points to keep the upset-seeking Lady Warriors at bay, scoring on a block point which jumpstarted a 4-2 finishing kick.
La Salle thus improved to 8-3 for the season with three games to go in elimination round. At the moment, the Lady Spikers are assured of the second spot at least through the weekend.
La Salle head coach Ramil de Jesus was able to field in multiple second stringers in the game, but Canino and UAAP MVP candidate Shevana Laput continued to lead the cavalry, finishing with 16 and 14 markers, respectively, in the victory.
Meanwhile, Van Bangayan led the UE Lady Warriors with 13 points in the losing effort that puts them now at 0-11.
The Lady Spikers return against dark horse UP Fighting Maroons on Sunday, April 13, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
UE, for its part, will have the undesirable task of seeking to end their losing skid against defending champions NU on Wednesday, April 9, at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City.