La Salle's Angel Canino in action. UAAP Media
MANILA, Philippines (UPDATED) – De La Salle University stopped Ateneo de Manila University's three-game winning streak, 25-21, 25-17, 25-20, in the UAAP Season 87 women's volleyball tournament on Wednesday at the Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.
La Salle has now beaten Ateneo 16 consecutive times -- a run of mastery that started in the Season 79 Finals in 2017.
They clinched their seventh win, tightening their grip on the number two spot in the process.
Lady Spikers star Angel Canino, who had an injury scare last time around and was brought to the hospital, returned to action and shook all doubts as she put up numbers of 16 attack points to go with seven excellent digs and six excellent receptions.
Canino said she's "doing really good" and had followed all protocols, stressing that she was given a go-signal to play today.
"I’m doing really good and I’m better na po," said Canino. "Binigyan din naman ako ng go signal and nagpahinga rin talaga ako kung anong kailangan na protocol, sinunod ko lang."
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Shevana Laput chipped in 14 markers, while Amie Provido almost had a double-digit scoring output with nine -- with Mikole Reyes steering the La Salle offense with 19 excellent sets.
Coach Ramil de Jesus said they remain focused on one of their objectives -- keep the top two spot in their hands.
"Actually, ito talaga yung goal namin hawakan namin yung second [spot] hanggang sa dulo para at least, makuha namin yung twice-to-beat advantage," said De Jesus.
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"Sana magtuloy-tuloy nga. Talaga naman ito iyong isa sa goal namin," he added.
For their part, the Blue Eagles suffered their sixth loss in 10 matches, although they remain in contention for a Final Four spot.
AC Miner paced them with 13 points and seven excellent digs, while Lyann de Guzman had 10 markers and 14 excellent receptions.
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