By MARK REY MONTEJO
De La Salle recovered from a second set stumble to overcome a resilient University of the East, 25-12, 23-25, 25-14, 25-17, for its second straight win in the UAAP Season 87 women’s volleyball tournament at Mall of Asia Arena Saturday, March 8.
Despite failing to contain the Lady Warriors in the second frame, the Lady Spikers managed to maintain their poise and recover to improve their record to 3-2.
“Unang-una hindi naging maganda no’ng game eh, although, we won, hindi ‘yon ‘yong gusto naming makita sa kanila,” said La Salle deputy coach Noel Orcullo.
“Nag-relax sila eh, parang hindi nila ni-respesto ‘yong UE, na hinihintay nilang magkamali o aayaw na [‘yong UE], so ‘yon [dahilan] ba’t nagagalit si coach (Ramil de Jesus),” he added.
As expected, Angel Canino steered La Salle with 20 points — her third straight game in double figures — built on 14 attacks, three blocks and three aces. She also had 10 excellent digs and 10 excellent receptions.
Alleiah Malaluan added 12 points even as Jyne Soreno, who came off the bench, chipped in 12 points including nine in the third set, igniting La Salle’s onslaught after faltering in the second frame.
Nessa Bangayan led UE with 17 points, but her efforts went futile as the Lady Warriors fell to their sixth straight game. It also did not help that Khy Cepada was limited to eight points.
