De La Salle University against Adamson University in UAAP Season 88. UAAP Media.MANILA — De La Salle University had to dig deep once more to overcome Adamson University, showing admirable composure to notch its eighth straight victory in UAAP Season 88.
In what was considered a “test of character” by deputy coach Noel Orcullo, the Lady Spikers — led by seniors Amie Provido, Angel Canino, and Shevana Laput — clawed back from a 13-18 deficit in the fourth set to eventually take down the Lady Falcons.
For the long-time La Salle assistant, such poise can be traced to how they approached this year’s campaign, especially as they are coming off a Finals loss to National University in Season 87’s championship round.
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“Ito yung resulta ng off-season training namin. Natuto sila from last year, kung paano lumapit at paano lumaban,” said Orcullo, whose team was swept by the Bella Belen-led Lady Bulldogs.
However, La Salle’s issues against Adamson differed from their struggles in the playmaking department against National U.
Uncharacteristically, it was the Taft Towers’ blocking that faltered in the first three sets, with the Lady Spikers tallying just three blocks in that span.
This was compounded by 12 of their 19 total team errors, which is why Orcullo lauded Provido and company for flipping the switch in the final period.
“Disorganized, so thankful na nung fourth set, gumana na,” he said, as Provido tallied four of La Salle’s six blocks in the closing frame. “Kay Em, at kay Shevana, crucial yung blockings nila. Yung mga bata, hindi binitawan yung laro.”
La Salle now continues its second-round campaign against the surging University of Santo Tomas on Wednesday, with Orcullo challenging the Lady Spikers to maintain the same approach as the season enters its crucial stretch.
“Dito namin nakikita kung ano yung natutunan nila,” he said.
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