By NIKOLE JAVIER
La Salle got back at its Season 84 tormentor National University with a 25-10, 25-15, 25-21 rout to sweep the first round of the UAAP Season 85 women’s volleyball tournament on Wednesday, March 22, at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
The Lady Spikers shrugged off the Lady Bulldogs’ resistance in the third set to complete a 7-game sweep of the elims.
Super rookie Angel Canino carried out a team-high 14 points, while Fifi Sharma and Jolina Dela Cruz contributed 12 and 11, respectively.
The win was La Salle’s first over NU since March 2019 in Season 81.
Tied at 16-all in the third set after Evangeline Alinsug’s crosscourt attack, La Salle went on a 3-0 run to seize momentum.
La Salle paid tribute to its defensive effort for the win, coming through with 12 blocks compared to NU’s four. The Lady Spikers had only 11 unforced errors to NU’s 20.
“Di ko inaasahan ‘yong na-straight sets namin sila. Sabi ko nga sa mga bata stick to the plan kung ano ‘yong plano natin na ginawa sa training. They played with pride di pwedeng magpapa-intimidate tayo. Nu’ng last year hindi tayo nakakuha ng set. Different team na tayo ngayon,” said interim head coach Noel Orcullo.
Bella Belen paced the reigning champion with 12 points built on 11 attacks and a block.
NU finished the elims with a 5-2 card.
