Lady Spikers lose to Ateneo in five-set thriller

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The De La Salle University Lady Spikers lost to the Ateneo de Manila University Lady Eagles in five heart-pumping sets, 25-18, 28-26, 17-25, 16-25, 11-15, in game two of the UAAP Season 78 Finals at the MOA Arena, earlier today.

The match was enticed by 20,541 roaring fans from start to finish.

In the first set, La Salle looked to pound on the Blue and White as Ara Galang connected with a service ace to post a seven point lead, 9-2. DLSU had an answer to Ateneo everytime they tried to rally, but Galang once again sealed the 1st set victory for the Taft-based squad.

The Lady Spikers and the Lady Eagles went tit-for-tat early in the second frame, with the score tied at 8-all. Ateneo seemed to even the match as they were up 24-20. However, La Salle displayed an epic comeback as Kim Dy steals the set for DLSU, 28-26.

In the third set, ADMU did not throw in the towel just yet, as Alyssa Valdez carried the load for Coach Bundit’s crew, pushing the lead to 10-6. A combination play for La Salle brought them back into game and was able to cut the lead to four, 15-19. The Lady Eagles repelled a comeback from the Lady Spikers as they went on to win the set, 25-17.

Valdez and company lifted their momentum into the fourth period. Cyd Demecillo hits it straight into net to yield the set to Ateneo, 25-16.

In the final set, the Lady Spikers played catch up to the spikers from Katipunan as Valdez once again daggered a kill, 11-7, in favor of Ateneo. La Salle rallied back to cut the deficit to two, 11-13. De Leon though scored the winning point for the Lady Eagles, 15-11.

Dy led the scoring for DLSU, tallying 16 points. Reyes chipped in 14 while Galang notched 12 markers.

Winner-take-all game three will be on Saturday, 3:30pm, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. Come and support the Lady Spikers as they try to put an end to the Ateneo dynasty; to gun for their 9th UAAP Women’s Volleyball crown and most importantly, to finally redeem their lost glory.

Lady Spikers blank Ateneo, draw first blood in Finals opener

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One win away to redeem lost glory.

The De La Salle University Lady Spikers swept arch rival Ateneo de Manila University Lady Eagles, 25-22, 25-22, 25-21, in a nerve-wracking collision in Game One of the UAAP Season 78 Women’s Volleyball Tournament at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, earlier today.

It was a well-balanced attack from the Taft-based squad as Kim Dy topscored with 15 points. Mika Reyes notched 13 markers, six from blocks, and a service ace while Ara Galang and Mary Joy Baron added 10 markers each.

“Mas relaxed yung mga bata kanina, kahit na down kami nung first set, so early timeout ako ng 4-0 so alam ko babalik yung composure nung mga bata”, Head Coach Ramil De Jesus said.

Ateneo tried to even the match in the second set as Jia Morado fed Bea De Leon with a quick, 15-13. However, Ara Galang denied Alyssa Valdez to cap off a 7-1 run later in the set, 25-22, to post a 2 sets to none lead.

The Lady Spikers smelled blood from their prey, continuing to put the Lady Eagles away, 11-8, earlier in the third set.

Galang sealed the victory for the Lady Spikers as she nailed a cross-court hit, 25-21.

In the first set, Coach De Jesus’ crew trailed the spikers from Katipunan, 8-4. DLSU though changed the tides as Dy attacked past the Ateneo defense to grab the lead, 19-16. La Salle repelled a comeback from ADMU, winning the set, 25-22.

La Salle looks to try and bring the crown back to Taft, but they will be facing the Blue and White team that will seek vengeance. Come and cheer your hearts out for the Lady Spikers at the MOA Arena, April 27, 4pm.

Lady Spikers advance to the finals round by outhustling Lady Tamaraws

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Coming from last game’s loss, the Lady Spikers redeemed themselves in today’s heated game against the Lady Tamaraws in three straight sets, 15-25, 27-25, and 21-25.

Tension from both parties can be felt since the opening serve. The Lady Spikers were more determined than ever to defeat the Lady Tamaraws. The Taft-based squad made sure of it by giving them little to no opportunity to score as Libero Dawn Macandili used her foot to save the ball in order to win a rally. The Lady Spikers were pulling ahead in the first set with a 10-0 run. To conclude a set filled with rallies and service aces, Lady Spiker Kim Dy was able to bag the first set with a 10-point lead, 15-25.

The second set was an opportunity for FEU to challenge DLSU. With FEU’s Pons constantly permeating the Lady Spikers’ defense that created a 3-0 run, it was time for the Lady Spikers to get back on track. Tin Tiamzon was able to lead DLSU’s retailiation, and with the help of Mika Reyes and FEU’s errors, the Green and White were able to catch up and take the lead. Both teams rendered an intense game as they kept answering each other’s point. However, FEU planned on building the lead by letting out three consecutive aces at the Lady Spikers. To end their drought, Cyd Demecillo was able to find an opening, followed an error from the Lady Tamaraws. Reyes was able to hinder the Lady Tamaraws from scoring. This enabled Demecillo to grab the second set, 27-25

For the final set, the Lady Spikers smothered the Lady Tamaraws by letting out consecutive service aces. They were able to capitalize on FEU’s error that earned them an eight point lead. The Lady Spikers claim the third and final set with an ace, 21-25.

With this win, the Lady Spikers will now advance to the finals round, happening this weekend at the Big Dome.

Lady Spikers fall behind against Lady Tams

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The De La Salle Lady Spikers, after entering into final four with twice-to-beat advantage, suffered a mishap as they fell flat against the Far Eastern University Lady Tamaraws in a five-set, 25-17, 25-23, 23-25, 21-25, 14-16, nerve-wracking collision of UAAP Season 78 Womens Volleyball Semifinala at Mall of Asia Arena, April 17.

An unforced error by Cyd Demicillo ended the match for the Lady Spikers allowing an extended onslaught on Wednesday.

Cyd spearheading the fifth set together with Mika and Ara could have pulled through the deciding set but the Palma-led squad responsed to every point thrown by the ladies in green and white.

Down by two, 4-6, in the middle of fifth set, Cyd took on the driver’s seat and ignited a 3-0 run, 7-6.

The Taft-based squad with a two-point deficit and the Lady Tams with a match point, 14-12, played their hearts out as Ara and Majoy saved two match points coupled by a Malabanan-service error, 14-14.

The Lady Spikers erupted early in the first set as they showered daggers of 11 assaults, seven blocks and two service aces unto the Lady Tams.

Though claiming second set, the Fajardo-led squad was haunted by their unforced errors especially on services allowing the Recto-based squad to snatch third and fourth set.

Kim, the top-gunner from Zobel led the ladies in the scoring department with a 20 team-high performance. Ara and Majoy stuffed the stat sheet with 14 markers each spurred on by Cyd and Mika who notched 13 and 10 respectively and Carol Cerveza with two points in fourth set.

The Lady Spikers will clash once again with the Lady Tams for the do-or-die match on Wednesday 3:30 PM.

Lady Spikers close out eliminations with ousting of Lady Bulldogs

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The De La Salle University Lady Spikers knocked out the National University Lady Bulldogs in Final Four contention after four nail-biting sets, 25-14, 21-25, 25-19, 25-15, to close out the elimination round in the UAAP Season 78 Women’s Volleyball Tournament at the Mall of Asia Arena, Pasay City.

Kim Dy spearheaded the attack for the Green and White tallying a career-high 25 points, 15 from attacks, five blocks and five service aces against an NU side that dealt them their first defeat in the frist round of the tournament.

Mary Joy Baron scored off the block to push La Salle’s lead to eight, 18-10, in the first set. Dy fired service aces after another to clinch the set for DLSU, 25-14.

The Lady Bulldogs looked to keep their final four hopes alive as they pulled away early in the second set, 8-4. However, the Taft-based squad got their act together with Cyd Demecillo giving back her team a, 16-15, edge. The spikers from Jhocson unleashed their resilience, taking the second frame, 25-21.

The third set came out to be tit-for-tat early as neither of the teams gave each other a comfortable advantage. Rookie May Luna provided spark off the bench after helping DLSU enjoy a commanding, 20-14, lead.

Baron once again went off the block to bag the set, 25-19. The towering middle blocker also brought her team back on the driver’s seat, 2 sets to 1.

Coach Ramil De Jesus’ crew smelled blood in the fourth set as Dy connected with a kill to give the Lady Spikers a, 16-13, lead. Mika Reyes caught fire late in the fourth period, piercing three service aces to finish off National U, 25-15.

De La Salle is heading into the final four ranking second, and will face the third seed Far Eastern University Tamaraws on Sunday, 3:30pm at the Mall of Asia Arena.

Lady Spikers fall to the Lady Eagles in a five-set thriller

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Ateneo versus La Salle.

Nothing stirs the blood whether blue or geen, more than another clash in the storied rivalry between these two Universities. Having secured their respective twice-to-beat advantages over their next opponents, this game merely served as a prologue to an anticipated rematch of last year’s finals. With today’s loss, the regular season will end with both teams having won and loss one game each to the other. This game served as an opportunity for both teams to gauge each other’s strengths and weaknesses, which will come in handy should they make it back to the finals.

From the opening serve, the crowd’s energy can be felt throughout the Arena and the Lady Spikers matched the crowd’s intensity as Ara Galang and Kim Dy scored for the team. However, the Lady Eagles seemed to have the same mindset as they matched La Salle’s spirit point per point. Fortunately, consecutive points from Majoy Baron and a service ace from Cyd Demecillo led to a La Salle run. Momentum stayed with the Spikers as Galang, Baron and Fajardo continued to throw attacks Ateneo’s way. Rallies plagued the last few moments of the first set that allowed Ateneo to catch up but Baron went for the kill, ending the first set 25-21.

Both teams seemed hungrier in the second set as they continued to challenge each other on every point. However, errors and miscommunication from the Taft-based squad allowed Ateneo to make a run. This did not last long however, as Galang, Dy and Fajardo were determined to keep La Salle from trailing too far behind. Ateneo’s Maraguniot then led the Lady Eagles in attacking the Lady Spikers. An exchange of leads happened in the latter part of the second frame that unfortunately, Ateneo eventually won, 25-22.

The intensity on the second set was carried over to the third frame as both teams continued to challenge each other. It was easy to see La Salle’s focus as they built on an early lead. However, momentum seemed to have swung over to the other side as Ateneo made a run of their own. Fatigue also seemed to have set in the Lady Spikers as they continued to commit errors that allowed Ateneo to extend their lead and take the set, 25-16.

The Lady Spikers treated the fourth set as a fresh start as Dy led La Salle’s first few attacks. Baron and Galang also contributed points for the team with their powerful spikes but the Lady Eagles refused to back down and tightened their defense. This however, did not stop the Lady Spikers as Galang and Dy continued to needle through Ateneo’s defense. Unfortunately, Lady Eagles, Ahomiro, Mariguniot and De Leon managed to capitalize on La Salle’s errors and led their team on a mini-run to tie the Spikers. Demicillo then made a hit to stop the bleeding, but Valdez’s signature spikes proved unstoppable. The Green and White remained determined as Reyes put the finishing touches for a 25-21 set victory.

The fifth and final set was a thriller for fans of both teams as neither of the teams wanted to back down. Unfortunately, the Lady Eagles gained momentum and built an early lead as errors continued to plague Taft Avenue. La Salle was unable to make a come back and lost the final set, 15-5.

If there’s one thing about La Salle, it’s that they play with heart. They might have lost today’s game but the crowd of 20,000, were still treated with a five-set thriller. Whether a true blooded La Sallian or Atenean, today’s match only proved how both teams are true contenders.

La Salle turns sight on Final Four, but wants to maintain fire against Ateneo

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The De La Salle University Lady Spikers already secured a twice-to-beat advantage heading into the final four. However, the team does not plan to take their foot off the gas pedal as they are going to face a very familiar foe in bitter rival Ateneo de Manila University Lady Eagles for the second time at the Mall of Asia Arena this coming Sunday.

The last two matches, Ateneo and National University respectively, for DLSU have no bearing as they are assured of at least the second spot after the elimination round.

But for Coach Ramil de Jesus, the Taft-based squad does not think of slowing down knowing that they should continue building up their confidence to prepare them ahead of the most anticipated second round match-up. The soft-spoken mentor also noted that his crew is setting sights for improvement for them to be ready once the playoff matches begin.

“Actually nag ano lang naman kami, prepare din para dun sa confidence, ma-build yung confidence kung ano man yung darating na game sa Sunday”, Coach de Jesus said, “Kailangan din namin ng target kung ano yung magiging outcome ng game para pagdating ng semis ready na rin yung team”, he added.

The many-time champion coach though, makes sure that his players keep themselves healthy to avoid injuries as the final four comes to near, “Every nagkakaroon ng break nagkakaroon kami ng maintenance  para doon sa mga conditioning and ayun strengthening’, he replied.

La Salle can breathe easily heading into the deeper phase of the tournament; and according to Coach de Jesus, they are not pressured due to the twice-to-beat edge they will carry into the final four.

“Siyempre nandoon yung advantage ng twice-to-beat kase medyo settled na kami sa second place or one or two so hinahantay pa namin kung sino yung magiging ka-crossover namin siguro”, he marveled.

He also said that Cyd Demecillo might be returning to her natural position after suiting up as a libero in their two previous games, “Actually temporary, baka this Sunday makalaro na yun as a spiker”.

The Lady Spikers shocked the Lady Eagles in straight sets in their first round collision, 25-22, 25-14, 25-18, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum last February 27. DLSU outscored ADMU on attacks and service aces. 33-29 and 13-6 respectively. The Green and White edged the Katipunan spikers defensively as well with seven blocks off Ateneo’s two.

 

Lady Spikers bag twice-to-beat advantage after demolishing Red Warriors

 

 

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The De La Salle University Lady Spikers demolished the University of the East Red Warriors in a domineering straight sets victory, 25-16, 25-16 and 25-11, yesterday afternoon in the Mall of Asia Arena.

Despite battling a winless team, La Salle meant business as they faced the Red Warriors. In the first few moments of the first set, the Warriors were able to keep up with the pace due to the errors that the Lady Spikers committed. However, momentum shifted to Taft as the Lady Spikers’ slim lead rapidly ballooned.

In the second frame, it was the veterans who took charge for the Green and White. Ara Galang and team captain, Kim Fajardo led the team in winning another set with moves that outsmarted the Warriors. Errors were again a factor in the second set but Galang together with rookie, May Luna stopped the bleeding and put up finishing touches that won the second set.

The third and final set sealed the deal for the Taft-based squad as they took on a 16-1 run. UE attempted a last hurrah but the lead was too big for them to overcome. With this win, the Lady Archers are secured of a twice-to-beat advantage in the semis.

Lady Spikers sweep Lady Falcons, clinch Final Four berth

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The De La Salle University (DLSU) Lady Spikers zoom past the Adamson University (AdU) Lady Falcons in a dominating three-set victory, 25-13, 25-11, 25-18, in the second round of the UAAP Season 78 Women’s Volleyball Tournament to book a ticket to the Final Four for eight straight years at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City.

Kim Dy led the scoring for DLSU with 11 points, team captain Kim Fajardo added 10 markers with 33 excellent sets while Ara Galang delivered nine attacks off her 10. The Lady Spikers knocked out Adamson from final four contention.

La Salle got it going in the first set with Fajardo proving to be the league’s best scoring setter as she dropped it down upfront to give the Taft-based squad an eight point lead, 14-6. They continued to pound on the Lady Falcons to clinch the set behind Eli Soyud’s down the line hit, 25-13.

The second set was a walk in the park for the Green and White team as main gunner Galang throws the hammer down to put DLSU ahead, 8-1, early in the second frame.

Adamson could not get into a rhythm, failing to convert in offense and in defense. Luna once again showed promise as she delivered the goods for the Lady Spikers over the Lady Falcons late in the set, 25-11.

AdU’s May Roque took a bad fall on her left knee in the third period. She was able to walk back into the bench but did not return into the game. La Salle, on the other hand, displayed no mercy to pull away, taking advantage of AdU’s crucial errors to lead, 16-11, going into the second technical timeout of the set. Fajardo nailed the victory for La Salle, tipping it in to end the match, 25-18.

DLSU is now at 9-2, once again tied at the top spot with the Ateneo de Manila University Lady Eagles. Support the Lady Spikers when they face the winless University of the East Lady Warriors on Saturday, April 2, 2pm at the MOA Arena in Pasay City.

Green Spikers outlast Growling Tigers; Lady Spikers humble surging Lady Maroons

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The De La Salle University (DLSU) Lady Spikers shrugged off a first set meltdown to frustrate the University of the Philippines (UP) Lady Maroons in four thrilling sets, 18-25, 25-12, 25-18, 25-21, as they double their victory against the Diliman-based squad in the second round of the UAAP Season 78 Women’s Volleyball Tournament at The Arena in San Juan, earlier today.

Team captain Kim Fajardo was hailed the best player of the game, tallying just two points and two service aces, but dished out 32 excellent sets for the Lady Spikers (8-2) who grabbed a share of the lead in the standings with the Ateneo de Manila University Lady Eagles.

Fajardo helped La Salle pull away in the second set as she fooled the UP defense with a tip to give the Green and White team a comfortable seven point edge, 12-5. The Spikers from Taft then relied on veterans Mika Reyes and Cyd Demecillo as offensive juggernauts to eventually bag the set, 25-12.

UP looked to regain the lead in the match. Rookie Isa Molde took charge early in the third frame for the Lady Maroons, carrying her squad up, 8-7.

However, DLSU got their acts together to take on the driver’s seat behind Reyes’ quick, 17-14. Demecillo once again became sidekick as she delivered a down the line hit to have control of the game, 2 sets to 1.

Kim Dy also made her presence felt, continuing her dazzling performance in the tournament. The former UAAP juniors MVP powered the Lady Spikers to a, 14-11, lead in the fourth set. DLSU never took their feet off the gas pedal with Ara Galang proving to be La Salle’s top gunner as she pierced in arrows after another to finally seal the win, 25-21.

De La Salle though, took a blow after the game as Demecillo got carried off the court. The other half of the UAAP Season 78 Women’s Beach Volleyball champions suffered a bad landing while going after the ball in the final play of the match.

In the firs set, UP displayed their vast improvement throughout the season as they shocked Coach Ramil De Jesus’ crew , 25-18, but failed to capitalize from then on.

Meanwhile, the Green Spikers clinched their third straight victory as they outdueled the UST Growling Tigers In five sets, 20-25, 25-12, 22-25, 25-22, 15-11. Raymark Woo spearheaded the attack for La Salle with 33 big points and two rejections.

The spikers in the Men’s category has now won all their games since the beginning of the second round.

Catch the Green and Lady Spikers as they try to continue their winning streak against the Adamson Soaring and Lady Falcons on March 19, Saturday, 8am and March 20, Sunday, 3:30pm respectively. All games will be held at the Philsports Arena.