DLSU Lady Spikers claw back in Set 4 to close out fierce rival UST Golden Tigresses in their one-game playoff.
Advantage, La Salle.
The DLSU Lady Spikers bounced back from a slow start to secure the twice-to-beat bonus in UAAP Season 87, winning in four sets, 23-25, 25-20, 30-28, 29-27, at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
In a virtual best-of-three, La Salle gained the upper hand thanks to their superior blocking which limited UST’s production at the net. They out-blocked their opponents, 20-8.
The most significant came from Lilay Del Castillo in Set 4 when she denied Beth Hilongo to push La Salle at match point, 28-27.
Shevana Laput followed up Del Castillo’s heroics with a down the line hit.
They denied UST the fifth set even as the Golden Tigresses were the first to set point, 24-22, thanks to Del Castillo and Laput.
Earlier in the game, it was the steady offense of Angel Canino which buoyed the Lady Spikers.
She finished with a triple-double of 24 points, 12 excellent receptions, and 10 excellent digs.
Laput added 22 markers of her own while Alleiah Malaluan chipped in 11 points as well.
Amie Provido was the top defensive performer at the net with 10 points built off of five attacks and five blocks.
La Salle and UST thus resume their rivalry on Saturday, May 3, with the Lady Spikers at the advantage.