By MARK REY MONTEJO
De La Salle University boosted its bid for a twice-to-beat advantage after scoring a come-from-behind 25-19, 21-25, 22-25, 25-18, 15-4 win over Adamson in the UAAP Season 87 women’s volleyball tournament at Mall of Asia Arena Wednesday, April 23.
The Lady Spikers came back roaring from a 2-1 set deficit to defuse another explosive performance from rookie Shai Nitura and stay in the hunt for the semis bonus after tying the UST Golden Tigresses in the standings at 9-4.
Reigning champions National University Lady Bulldogs (11-2) have already taken the first semis advantage.
Despite Nitura’s 35-point performance, Adamson fell short and suffered its eighth defeat against five wins at sixth spot.
Angel Canino carried the scoring load for La Salle as she pumped in 22 points off 20 kills and two blocks with eight excellent digs and 23 excellent receptions. Shevana Laput, as expected, provided the support with 21 points.
Amie Provido (14), Alleiah Malaluan (9), and Mary Reterta (9), who notched her career-high scoring, also starred in the Lady Spikers’ offensive column, while Mikole Reyes and Julyana Tolentino joined forces to pile up 23 excellent sets.
Nitura registered 33 attacks, one block, and one ace along with four excellent digs and 21 excellent receptions.
It was Nitura’s third straight 30-point game — her sixth overall this season — which made her the first-ever player to ever do it in league history. She had her career-best of 38 — the most in the women’s tournament — against UP last month.
Frances Mordi and Mayang Nuique added 14 and eight points, respectively, for the Lady Falcons.
