
By NIKOLE JAVIER
De La Salle dumped University of the East with a 25-20, 25-21, 25-14 sweep to remain undefeated in the UAAP Season 85 women’s volleyball tournament on Wednesday, March 8, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The Lady Spikers bucked a slow start to extend their winning run to four games despite the Lady Warriors’ gritty showing in the first two sets.
Thea Gagate towered for the Lady Spikers with 13 points on eight attacks and five blocks, while rookie Angel Canino had another double-digit outing of 10 points laced with eight excellent receptions and seven digs.
UE, which remained winless in four starts, managed to take the lead 4-0 in the second set, but La Salle shrugged off the gallant stand and marched on to a dominant third set.
"Actually, we started slow. Masyado kaming nagkampante. First two sets parang sinasabayan lang yung laro ng kalaban so hindi kami nagstick doon sa game plan namin," said La Salle interim head coach Noel Orcullo.
The Lady Warriors outplayed the Lady Spikers in the attacking department by 10, 40-30, forcing the latter to turn to their defensive scheme, 15-2, in the blocking category. La Salle also led UE, 8-2, from the service area.
Van Bangayan led the fight for the Lady Warriors with 14 points and eight digs while Ja Lana scored 11 of her own.