Also gets motivation for Sunday’s duel with Ateneo
By KRISTEL SATUMBAGA
Games Saturday
(Blue Eagle Gym)
8 a.m. – UST vs Adamson (Men’s)
10 a.m. – UP vs UE (Men’s)
2 p.m. – UE vs UP (Women’s)
4 p.m. – Adamson vs UST (Women’s)
Playing hot and cold, defending champion La Salle survived Adamson’s big comeback in the third set and pulled off a 25-21, 25-15, 22-25, 25-18 win to clinch the first twice-to-beat semifinal incentive in UAAP women’s volleyball yesterday at The Arena in San Juan City.
The Lady Spikers committed 34 errors – mostly in the third – but refused to be intimidated by feisty Lady Falcons, coming through with strong digs and sharp serves in the fourth set to claim their 11th win in 13 games.
Good thing, the Lady Spikers produced 18 aces enough for them to disarm the Lady Falcons.
More than earning a twice-to-beat incentive, La Salle likewise clinched No. 1 seeding regardless of the outcome of its last eliminations match against archrival Ateneo on Sunday.
Kim Dy played solid throughout the match and finished with 17 points built on 13 kills, three blocks and an ace.
Sophomore setter Michelle Cobb silently contributed for the Lady Spikers with six points highlighted by four aces, while also making 32 excellent digs.
Thanks to her lighting speed, libero Dawn Macandili covered the floor very well and made 17 digs and 25 receptions.
Adamson soared to a 16-10 lead in the third frame courtesy of Jema Galanza’s furious attacks and Risha Emnas’ smart plays before scuttling La Salle’s desperate comeback.
The fourth set was equally tight and tense but La Salle’s vast experience spelled the difference as Dy produced booming spikes to give her team the needed inspiration in time for their big showdown with the Lady Eagles on Sunday.
Adamson absorbed its eighth loss against five wins to kiss its Final Four hopes goodbye.
CJ Soyud and Jema Galanza led Adamson with 17 and 12 points, respectively, but the Lady Falcons’ weak net defense and 31 errors were crucial in their performance.
In men’s play, Far Eastern University kept its bid for a twice-to-beat semis advantage when it outlasted UST, 28-26, 14-25, 19-25, 26-24, 15-12.
