THE De La Salle Lady Spikers dominated the Ateneo Blue Eagles, 25-13, 25-12, 25-18, at the FilOil EcoOil Center Saturday noon to secure the top seed in the UAAP Season 88 women’s volleyball tournament.
Beating Ateneo for the 18th straight match spanning the last nine seasons, La Salle stayed undefeated at 12-0 to shut down the chances of the second-running National University Lady Bulldogs from taking the top spot.
Sporting an 8-3 record at press time, the defending champs Lady Bulldogs can only win 11 games at max.
Angel Canino pumped 15 points and nine excellent receptions to lead the Lady Spikers, who actually fended off a respectable challenge from the Blue Eagles who even led by a point, 15-14, in the third set.
La Salle ended the match with an 11-3 run to keep its elimination round sweep bid and outright Final berth alive with two games left on their schedule.
The Lady Spikers face the University of the East Lady Warriors on April 15 and the Lady Bulldogs on April 22.
The already-eliminated and seventh-running Ateneo dropped to 1-11.
“We relaxed a bit in the third set and lost our focus. Hopefully, that won’t happen again the next game,” said La Salle assistant coach Noel Orcullo.
“That’s what we keep reminding them -- that they shouldn’t lose their focus. As much as possible, finish the match right away. They shouldn’t lose their focus.”
Eshana Nunag tossed 22 excellent sets as Amie Provido added 12 points and Lilay Del Castillo chipped in inine.
Ana Hermosura banged 10 points, eight receptions, and six digs to pace the Blue Eagles.
Alex Montoro aided her with seven points, 10 receptions, and six digs, as Zel Tsunashima chipped in six points.
