By NIKOLE JAVIER
De La Salle survived a thriller despite the absence of head coach Ramil de Jesus after hacking out a 25-13, 19-25, 21-25, 25-22, 15-8 victory over Far Eastern University in the Shakey’s Super League Collegiate Pre-season Championship on Saturday, Oct. 1, at the Rizal Memorial Stadium in Manila.
With assistant coach Noel Orcullo calling the shots, the Lady Spikers delivered just in time to escape the gritty Lady Tamaraws.
Alleiah Malaluan took the starring role for DLSU with 13 points off 11 attacks, a block and an ace.
On the other end, Perpetual prevailed over University of the East in a straight-set victory 25-22, 27-25, 25-16 to make its presence more apparent in Pool A with a 2-0 record.
Promising rookie Shaila Omipon, who made a rousing debut last week for the Lady Altas, dropped another impressive performance of 13 points, while Mary Rhose and Razel Aldea added 10 points apiece.
After coming off a late-night five-setter thriller against Adamson last week, University of Santo Tomas sustained its winning form and made short work of San Sebastian in straight-set victory 25-18, 25-21, 25-16 to stay ahead in Pool B.
Mae Coronado took the charge of the Lady Tigresses, scoring eight of her career game-high 12 points in the closing set while junior standout Regina Jurado made a successful transition into the collegiate ranks with a 10-point performance.
In the clash between UAAP Final Four contender Ateneo and NCAA runner-up Arellano, the Lady Eagles stood firm in their straight-set victory 25-14, 30-28, 25-17 to open their SSL campaign on a breeze.
Faith Nisperos got Ateneo on a winning note with 16 points built on 12 attacks, one block, and two aces.