De La Salle staved off defending champion National University, 26-24, 26-24, 25-12, to remain unscathed in UAAP Season 85 women's volleyball Saturday, March 25, at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City.
It was the Lady Spikers' eighth straight win in as many games, while dealing the Lady Bulldogs their first back-to-back losses since Season 81.
After missing out on La Salle’s first round campaign and with Noel Orcullo serving as interim mentor, multi-titled head tactician Ramil De Jesus returned to his post to lead the Lady Spikers to another convincing win over the defending champion Lady Bulldogs.
Angel Canino delivered for La Salle with 15 points off 13 attacks, a block and an ace, while Jolina Dela Cruz contributed 12 points. Tied at 12-all after a Bella Belen hit in the opening set, La Salle encountered an early mishap following Leila Cruz’ knee injury scare on a non-contact fall after attempting a spike during a long rally. Still, the Lady Spikers managed to untangle themselves from the Lady Bulldogs at 24-all -- their 10th deadlock in the set -- courtesy of Sharma’s quick attack and Canino’s service ace. La Salle bucked a slow start in the second frame but squandered an 18-14 lead as NU rallied to tie it at 24-all before Canino stepped up anew with an off-the-block hit followed by a net violation from the Lady Bulldogs that gave the Lady Spikers the set win. From then on, La Salle became more aggressive entering the third and led by as many as nine, 15-6, to dictate the pace throughout. Despite being outscored in the attacking department with 38 compared to NU’s 47, La Salle managed to limit its errors anew and gave away only 12 points, 14 less than the Lady Bulldogs. Belen and Vangie Alinsug scored 17 and 14 points for NU, who fell to 5-3.
*Jolina Dela Cruz steers La Salle to a repeat victory over NU on coach Ramil De Jesus' return. (UAAP Media)
*Angel Canino delivered for La Salle with 15 points off 13 attacks, a block and an ace, while Jolina Dela Cruz contributed 12 points. Tied at 12-all after a Bella Belen hit in the opening set, La Salle encountered an early mishap following Leila Cruz’ knee injury scare on a non-contact fall after attempting a spike during a long rally. Still, the Lady Spikers managed to untangle themselves from the Lady Bulldogs at 24-all -- their 10th deadlock in the set -- courtesy of Sharma’s quick attack and Canino’s service ace. La Salle bucked a slow start in the second frame but squandered an 18-14 lead as NU rallied to tie it at 24-all before Canino stepped up anew with an off-the-block hit followed by a net violation from the Lady Bulldogs that gave the Lady Spikers the set win. From then on, La Salle became more aggressive entering the third and led by as many as nine, 15-6, to dictate the pace throughout. Despite being outscored in the attacking department with 38 compared to NU’s 47, La Salle managed to limit its errors anew and gave away only 12 points, 14 less than the Lady Bulldogs. Belen and Vangie Alinsug scored 17 and 14 points for NU, who fell to 5-3.