La Salle trounces UE, finishes elims on high note

BY MANILA BULLETIN SPORTS

  

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AT A GLANCE

• At 13-1, this was De La Salle's best record at the end of elimination round since its Season 76 (2013-14) 14-0 sweep before faltering to Ateneo in the Finals.

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Final Four-bound De La Salle made swift work of University of the East, 25-17, 25-20, 25-17, to enter the UAAP Season 85 women's volleyball post-season on a four-game winning streak Saturday, April 29, at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City.

Thea Gagate scores for De La Salle in its final eliminations match against University of the East. (UAAP Images)

The Lady Spikers now await their semis foe between Adamson University or University of Santo Tomas depending on their final elimination matches Sunday, April 30.

At 13-1, this was De La Salle's best record at the end of elimination round since its Season 76 (2013-14) 14-0 sweep before faltering to Ateneo in the Finals.

"Yun din naman yung sinabi namin na mindset sa kanila before this game na yung UE wala nang mawawala sa kanila, hindi tayo pupwedeng magrelax," said Lady Spikers assistant coach Noel Orcullo.

"Sinabi lang namin paghandaan yung dadating na semis kaya kailangan all out tayo ngayong last game natin," the long-time deputy of Ramil de Jesus continued.

The Lady Warriors held an 8-5 lead in the third set but not for long as they shot themselves on the foot with three straight errors to allow De La Salle to equalize at 9-all.

Shevana Laput, Jolina Dela Cruz, and Angel Canino then clicked to give the Lady Spikers the 15-10 advantage all the way to the 25-17 final.

Angel Canino led De La Salle anew with 13 points on nine attacks, two blocks, and two aces to go with eight excellent receptions, while Dela Cruz added eight points and seven digs.

Leiah Malaluan returned to action and dropped six points, while Thea Gagate and Amie Provido notched six and five points, respectively.

KC Cepada produced a game-high 16 points while Van Bangayan added 10 points and nine digs. Ja Lana also got nine points and eight excellent receptions.

The Lady Warriors ended the season at 1-13.