(UPDATE) THE De La Salle Lady Spikers blanked the University of the East Lady Warriors, 25-20, 25-18, 25-15, at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion on Wednesday to move on the cusp of an elimination round sweep and an outright Finals berth in the UAAP Season 88 women's volleyball tournament.
The Lady Spikers face the defending champs National University Lady Bulldogs on Sunday, aiming for that outright final entry and creating a stepladder semi-finals for the second to fourth seed teams in the process.
Suffering their 13th straight loss this season and 27th consecutive defeat dating back to a winless campaign last year, the Lady Warriors aim to prevent back-to-back winless seasons as they face the Ateneo Blue Eagles on Saturday.
Angel Canino pumped 12 points, 10 excellent digs and seven receptions to lead La Salle, which improved to 13-0.
The Lady Warriors stayed within striking distance at 6-6 before the Lady Spikers pulled away with rookies Michaela Santos and Ella De Guzman delivering the killer blows.
Assistant coach Gian De Jesus emphasized the importance of giving La Salle’s second stringers like Santos and De Guzman more playing time heading to the Final Four.
“The performance of our second stringers was good. Maybe this is really what we’ve been preparing for,” said De Jesus, son of Lady Spikers head coach Ramil.
“As coach [Ramil] said, this might be the perfect time to give them the opportunity to show their talent. It worked in the third set. They showed great energy, so I’m satisfied with the win.”
Shevana Laput banged 12 points and four digs while Amie Provido added eight.
Shane Retarta and Santos each chipped in five points, with Retarta adding seven digs and seven receptions.
Khy Cepada drilled 13 points, 10 receptions and four digs to pace the Lady Warriors.
Van Bangayan aided her with 10 points and six digs.
Eljane Nogueras, Kesha Famulagan and Sam Tayalan added three points apiece in a losing effort.
