2 weeks ago
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John Bryan Ulanday - The Philippine Star
March 3, 2025 | 12:00am
The La Salle Lady Spikers huddle up after a point against the UP Fighting Maroons Sunday at the MOA Arena.
(UAAP Media Bureau)
MANILA, Philippines — La Salle got back on track by drubbing host University of the Philippines, 25-22, 24-26, 25-18, 25-17, to dodge a worst start in almost two decades in the UAAP women’s volleyball yesterday at the Mall of Asia Arena.
Former Rookie-MVP Angel Canino led the way with 24 points on 20 hits as the Lady Spikers improved to 2-2 for a share of third spot with the Fighting Maroons and the Adamson Lady Falcons halfway through the first round.
La Salle, the UAAP Season 85 champion, suffered a meltdown against Santo Tomas earlier this week, causing the team to match its dismal 1-2 start in 2006.
Against the vastly improved UP, La Salle checked its slide, with an aim at taking control of its fate as early as possible – especially against a tough field led by unbeaten champion National U.
The Lady Spikers got back on winning track with Shevana Laput and Katrina del Castillo contributing 21 and 11 points, respectively. Libero Lyka de Leon took care of the floor defense with 18 digs and 14 receptions as new playmaker Julyana Tolentino had 10 sets.
La Salle yielded an extended second set, then regrouped in the third.
Later, Far Eastern U (2-2) also bounced back with a gutsy 25-15, 20-25, 25-17, 24-26, 15-11 win over Ateneo (1-3) to join a logjam at third spot.
Gerzel Petallo (18), Faida Bakanke (15) and Mitzi Panangin (11) joined hands in the win that pushed the Lady Tamaraws to a four-way tie with La Salle, Adamson and UP behind league-leaders NU (4-0) and Santo Tomas (3-1).
