De La Salle University’s Angel Canino (#12) in action against University of Santo Tomas in UAAP Season 88 women’s volleyball. UAAP Media.
MANILA (UPDATED) — De La Salle University remained flawless, moving past University of Santo Tomas to inch closer to securing a Final Four spot in UAAP Season 88 women's volleyball.
The Lady Spikers notched their ninth win in as many outings, defeating the Golden Tigresses, 25-12, 18-25, 25-23, 25-14, on Wednesday at the Araneta Coliseum in Cubao, Quezon City.
Leading the Taft-based hitters was Angel Canino, who finished with 17 points, seven digs, and five receptions, while Shevana Laput added 14 markers along with five digs.
Also vital in the win was Shane Reterta, who posted 10 points, 15 receptions, and two digs, while Eshana Nunag orchestrated the offense with 20 excellent sets, along with three points and four digs.
For La Salle head coach Ramil de Jesus, this balanced production was crucial against the hungry Tigresses squad, which threatened to take the third set after already claiming the second frame.
"Nung third set, ni-remind ko lang yung mga bata: 'Very aggressive yung mga kalaban, so kailangang ilaban yung situation,'" said the veteran coach. "Nag-work naman, unti-unting iginapang hanggang sa nakarating sa endgame."
After dropping the second frame, the Lady Spikers again fell behind in the third set, 12-20, as Angge Poyos gave UST an eight-point advantage.
Fortunately for the green-and-white faithful, La Salle regained its footing, unleashing an 11-to-3 surge to tie the set at 23 before Reterta and Canino delivered the points that gave the Lady Spikers a 2-1 sets lead.
The Lady Spikers then opened the fourth canto with seven straight points, an advantage that proved enough to eventually seal the victory.
On the other hand, UST's three-game winning streak was halted despite Poyos' 20 points, 12 receptions, and seven digs. Reg Jurado chipped in 12 points, while Cassie Carballo tallied 19 excellent sets as the Tigresses absorbed their fourth defeat in nine games.