The DLSU Lady Spikers treat fans to a block party in their Final Four victory against the UST Golden Tigresses in UAAP Season 87 women's volleyball.
La Salle multi-titled coach Ramil de Jesus tapped the team's strength in blocking to foil University of Santo Tomas, 25-22, 11-25, 25-21, 25-21, to book the last spot in the UAAP Season 87 women's volleyball Finals at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Cubao Saturday, May 3.
Armed with a twice-to-beat advantage, the Lady Spikers wasted no time in displaying their superior skills at the net, tallying 11 blocks to their foe's measly two.
Shevana Laput accounts for three of La Salle's 11 blocks against University of Santo Tomas in their UAAP Season 87 women's volleyball Final Four faceoff. | Photo (c) RM Chua/One Sports
“Isa sa masasabi ko na strength namin is iyong blocking. Kapag hindi nag-work, talagang medyo mahihirapan kami sa ilalim. Kailangan talagang i-push mo sila doon sa pag-block," said De Jesus.
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“Hindi mo na kailangang umatake doon kasi iyon ang non-scoring na skills. Doon lang, puwede ka na. Mas maganda kapag iyong focus mo nasa pag-block. Hindi iyong dahil a-attack ka lang kung gusto mo pumuntos,” he added.
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The Lady Spikers ran into a surging UST side in the second set but got the job done in the next two to secure their 21st championship appearance in the league and their first since Season 85.
“Medyo happy kasi medyo sa umipisa, slow start, eh,” De Jesus said, smiling.
“Eventually, nagpaikot kaagad ako ng setters. Nakita ko namang nag-work. In-expect ko pang mas makagagalaw pa sa susunod na game. So, marami pa kaming kailangang ayusin.”
DLSU now turns its attention to its next task: dethroning National U in a high-stakes best-of-three rematch between the fierce rivals.