The Lady Spikers move to 9-0 in Season 85.
Two for La Salle, zilch for NU.
De La Salle University Lady Spikers made sure there's no National University Bulldogs redemption in the Season 85 eliminations after dealing the volleybelles of Jhocson another sweep on Saturday at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig, 26-24, 26-24, 25-16.
Just last Wednesday, the Lady Spikers blasted past the Lady Bulldogs also in straight sets. Naturally, the ladies of Taft expected a new game plan from NU this time around.
"Medyo may ginawa silang adjustment, 'yun nga 'yung sabi namin na maging ready kayo sa gagawing adjustment ng NU kasi hindi naman ganun kadali para ibigay ulit sa atin ng ganun kabilis 'yung laro," said assistant coach Noel Orcullo during the post-game press conference.
Angel Canino led the way with 15 points built on 13 attacks, while Jolina Dela Cruz delivered 12 points, including 3 kill blocks alongside 9 excellent receptions.
The win was made even sweeter for the Lady Spikers as coach Ramil de Jesus made his long-awaited return to the court.
“Hindi po namin ine-expect kasi kanina dumating siya hindi namin alam na magco-coach siya ngayon,” said Dela Cruz. “Parang binibiro niya pa kami na, 'Hindi dun lang ako sa likod.'”
It wasn’t totally smooth sailing for La Salle as opposite hitter Leila Cruz went down with a non-contact injury on her right knee.
Still, the Lady Spikers soldiered on and displayed their composure throughout the match.
“Siguro hindi na lang namin mas inisip kasi baka mas makaapekto siya sa game. Tiwala din naman kasi sa pumalit sa kanya, kay Baby Jyne [Soreño], kaya hindi kami nagwo-worry kung ano kakalabasan ng game namin," Dela Cruz added.
La Salle will look to remain undefeated on Wednesday as they take on Far Eastern University Tamaraws at the Mall of Asia Arena, while NU will seek to get back on the win column against the University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons next Saturday at Smart Araneta Coliseum.