Green Spikers drop first game of the season vs Tams

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The De La Salle University Greens Spikers had a dismal showing in their maiden match in Season 79.

DLSU fell into the hands of the Far Eastern University Tamaraws in straight sets, 16-25, 19-25, 24-26, in the first round of the Men’s Volleyball Tournament at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, Sunday.

Last year’s Best Spiker Raymark Woo tried to carry the load for the Green Spikers with 16 points and a block. Arjay Onia added seven points, while team captain Geuel Asia dished 26 excellent sets. However, all these were not enough to nail the W.

The Taft-based squad set-up the pace early in the first set. They were aggressive on offense and remained disciplined on defense as they led, 11-8. FEU, then, changed the tides. It was their turn to deny La Salle’s point of attacks while the latter began to commit unforced errors. Gregorio Dolor eventually sealed the deal in the set for the Tamaraws, 26-15.

In the second frame, the spikers from Morayta continued to pound the Green side. A positional fault called on La Salle increased the deficit to  six, 5-11. Raymark Woo, though, did not back down without a fight as he, Dumago, and Onia pumped some life back to DLSU, cutting the Tams’ lead to one, 18-19. Still, FEU found a way to weather down the Greens Spikers late rally after John Bugaoan buried one down to take the set.

The Lasallian community knows – that especially in volleyball – a game is not over until it is over; everyone goes on and fight. The Green and White did just that.

La Salle once again started out the third set strong. Dumago scores a point to balloon their edge to three, 11-8. Both teams were in a chess match from then on, exchanging points after another. DLSU was not throwing the towel yet as they tied the match at 24-all. Unfortunately, FEU immediately regained their form to score two straight points on their way to victory.

Dolor led the charge for the Tamaraws with 15 points. Jude Garcia had 11 markers while Kris Silang garnered 41 excellent sets.

The first game of the season does not determine what a team’s performance throughout the season. It is just like feeling their way out of the dark. The Green Spikers will try to bounce back and get and their first win against the University of Santo Tomas on Saturday, February 11, 10am  at The FilOil Flying V Arena in San Jaun.

 

Thank you, Ara

ARA COVER

Exactly two days after her final spike as a member of the De La Salle University Lady Spikers, Ara Galang is back in Taft Avenue, Manila. Already up at five in the morning to jump in the same bus, which takes her team to their games, only this time, it was for a different reason. Ara and the rest of her team were headed somewhere in Quezon City to partake in various TV appearances in recognition of their most recent Championship.

Roots

Hailing from Angeles City, Pampanga, Ara first got involved in Sports when she was a fifth grader, volleyball however, was not her first choice, “dapat basketball talaga ako, pero walang pang girls pero meron naman sports club na volleyball so trinry lang namin ng mga friends ko. Tapos kami na din composition ng varsity namin nun kasi dun din sila kumukuha sa sports club”. Ara then went on to say that as a kid, she did not even think she owned a volleyball ball but remembers that she owned a basketball.

It was through her Angeles University Foundation varsity team where Lady Spikers headcoach, Ramil De Jesus first got a glimpse of Ara, “hindi naman talaga recruit pero nakausap ko siya. Parang third year high school ako nun, pero hindi pa talaga recruit. Siguro yung coaches ko lang naguusap nun, pero hindi naman nila ako agad talaga kinukuha. Na-eye lang”.

Ara admitted that La Salle was not really her first choice as she looked up to the likes of Mary Jean Balse, Venus Bernal, and Angeli Tabaquero of University of Sto. Tomas (UST), “Nung una kasi wala akong plans mag collegiate volleyball pero nagkaroon ng opportunity so pinagisipan ko. Hindi naman ako kinkuha ng UST, La Salle kinukuha ako” says Ara “may iba rin kumukuha pero La Salle yung pinili ko. Kung hindi ako kinuha ng La Salle, mag tatryout ako dapat nun sa UST”.

She then jokingly said that she picked La Salle because she knew the players of the team because DLSU was the team who always went up against UST during those years but then said that she wanted the good education La Salle offers, “Syempre La Salle pinili ko. Unang una sa education. Kahit hindi ko pa iniisip yung maglalaro ako ng volleyball. And kasi alam ko na yung composition ng team na yun kasi yun yung kalaban ng UST e! Feeling ko lahat talaga destined”.

First of many

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November 27, 2011. UAAP Season 74’s opening weekend. La Salle vs Adamson, with the score at 6-4 in favor of La Salle, Ara stepped behind the service line for the very first time, jumped, pulled back her right hand, and swung it with just enough power for the ball to make it across the net, but with enough spin for it to suddenly drop. It was an ace. Ara’s first ever point in the UAAP, yet she showed no emotion. Not even a small crack in her lips to indicate a possible smile. “Nasa personality ko narin siguro yung tahimik lang. Ganun talaga ako, pero I think ngayon sa pagtapos ko, feeling ko nabago ko yung mood na ganun. Kasi alam ko na kailangan ko yung may emotion at alam ko yun yung hinihingi ng team”.

In the same year, Ara also brought home two individual awards, Rookie of the Year and Best server, “sobrang nakaka-overwhelm. Kung may cloud nine, cloud 10 yun. Nene days ko pa yun kaya wow, hindi ko maimagine na nagawa ko yun. Siguro dahil sa hardwork na din yun”.

A taste of glory

Ara considers her first ever UAAP Championship as her most memorable moment of her entire UAAP career, “siguro dahil ang sarap sarap sa feeling ng rookie ka tapos champion agad. Kaya kapag tinanong ako kung ano most memorable sa akin, yun talaga naaalala ko agad”.

The year after, Ara was given the Most Valuable Player award together with her former teammate, Abigail Maraño. It is one of the most prestigious individual awards an athlete can receive but Ara simply smiled when reminded of this and said, “siguro nag peak lang talaga ko nung time na yun”.

The Lady Spikers also won the UAAP Championship in Season 75 to complete a three-peat, Ara’s second UAAP Championship.

Rivalry

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UAAP Season 76 was a tough year. It was the year where the Lady Spikers were aiming for their fourth straight Championship. A feat no other volleyball team has accomplished in the Final Four era. DLSU swept the elimination rounds to gain a thrice-to-beat advantage come the Finals but succumbed to the Ateneo Lady Eagles in four games.

It was during this year and the next where some eyes started to focus on the rivalry between Ara and Ateneo Lady Eagle, Alyssa Valdez. Not only due to the graduation of former captain Aby Maraño and Ateneo’s “Fab Five” (Ho, Cainglet, Gervacio, Nacachi, Ferrer), but simply because both Ara and Alyssa started to become the leaders of their respective teams not only when it comes to scoring but in all aspects.

Ara however, does not have much to say about this so-called rivalry with Alyssa, “hindi ko alam. Wala akong maisip. Para sakin hindi ko siya masaydong naiisip kahit madaming tumitingin sa amin as ganun (rivals). Hindi kasi ako tumitingin ng isa isa lang. Yung mindset ko buong team”.

When it comes to her team’s rivalry with the Lady Eagles, Ara admits that there is added motivation every time they play against Ateneo, “labanan din yun ng pride and ng puso. Kumbaga sabi nga wala na dun yung skills e. Yung kung papaano ka nalang maglalaro, kung gaano mo kagusto, yun nalang yung labanan. Hindi na yung kung sino mas magaling sa ganito, patibayan nalang”.

Worst fear realized

Every single supporter of the Lady Spikers will forever remember UAAP Season 77 for one thing; Ara Galang’s Season-ending injury.

It was game two of DLSU’s Final Four matchup against National University. Unfamiliar territory would be an understatement. The Lady Spikers had their backs against the wall and Ara as the team captain, wanted to lead her team to victory. La Salle was already ahead two sets to one, and leading 22-20 in the fourth set. Just three points away and Ara will have her shot to get back at Ateneo for beating her team the prior year. Last three points.

Ara injury

It was a long rally and as ara went up to hit the ball, her supporters already up on their feet anticipating Ara to finish that rally with one of her famous emphatic spikes. She got the point, her 25th of the match. People went into frenzy. Then all of a sudden, all eyes focused on Ara. She was on the floor clutching her left knee writhing in pain. It was as if the air from the Arena was sucked out and everyone was simply holding his or her breath waiting for La Salle’s captain to get back up. Instead, a stretcher was brought in and Ara was lifted away from the court, back in the locker room. La Salle went on to win the match and earn a seat in the Finals. No one wearing green however, could completely celebrate the victory.

“Nung na-injure ako kasi parang masakit lang kasi naghanda ako for one year and medyo one step closer na ko sa goal namin tapos isang iglap lang, wala na. Wala na ko magagawa”. Narrates Ara “Motivation nalang mabibigay ko sa teammates ko nun kasi wala na akong magagawa inside the court. Sinasabi ko nalang sakanila pag may nakikita akong dapat ayusin. Puro salita nalang”.

Looking back at what could have been had she not been injured and had played in the Finals, Ara believes that although she is not sure if they would’ve won the Championship, she was certain that things would not be the same, “hindi ko rin masasabi pero isa lang ang sure dun, may magbabago dun. Hindi ko din sasabihin na mananalo kami. Kahit wala ako may tiwala ako na kaya nila (teammates) pero hindi lang enough. Pero ginawa nila best nila”.

Getting back up after a season-ending injury is not easy. It requires ample time and the changes in the UAAP calendar indeed helped fulfill Ara’s desire to play for La Salle this Season, “after ng injury actually parang agad inisip ko kung aabot ako pero nag move yung calendar, so yun naging advantage sakin yun. Nakabuti sakin yun kasi humaba yung time ng recovery ko”.

Ara recovered completely before UAAP Season 78 started. Her eyes were set on her comeback and another shot at a Championship.

Redemption

Ara after win

Back in the Finals once more. One last shot at a Championship. One more, one last, for the Green and White. Of course, she did not disappoint.

“Ito yung pinaka masarap na Championship, kasi yung first two championships namin, hindi naman sa madali pero ngayon kasi madaming ups and downs. Minsan magdoudoubt ka pero hindi kasi parang aangat parin tiwala mo sa team. Sabi rin ni coach, mas masarap mag champion dahil sa pinagdaanan namin. Sa lahat ng sacrifices, lahat ng trials and challenges na dumaan sa team”.

Ara scored a total of 31 total points in the three games of the Finals, not a bad number at all but for Ara, she did not reach the form she wished to achieve for this Season, “honestly hindi ko na abot yung peak for me, pero kasi tinitingnan ko yung bigger picture syempre hindi ko iniiisip para sa sarili ko lang. Basta alam ko sa sarili ko na nakaka contribute ako at nakakatulong ako kahit papano sa team” says Ara “and nakuha naman namin yung goal namin sa team. For me sobra sobrang nalagpasan ko pa yung ine-aim ko kasi nakuha namin yung goal”.

In the post-game interview, Coach Ramil said that the win is for the seniors of the team but most especially for Ara. She has not watched the replay of the game and was not aware of what her coach said. When told about this, Ara paused for a while and asked “talaga? Sinabi niya yun?”. She then got a bit teary-eyed, “Ngayon ko lang nalaman, sobrang natouch tuloy ako”. She said “Kasi bawat isa naman samin may iba iba kaming pinaghuhugatan pero may common denominator din kami, pare-pareho yung gusto namin. Pare-pareho naman kaming nahirapan, nag tetrain din sila. Yung iba lang yung paghihirap ko sa therapy and strengthening pero for me, equal lang sa aming lahat. Para saming lahat talaga yun”.

Through the eyes of the crowd

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Through the eyes of the league

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Boom

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Next up

“Kianna (Dy)” was Ara’s quick response as to who she feels will fill the void she will leave in the team, “sa nangyari this season nagpakita talaga si kianna pero naniniwala ako na lahat kaya mag step up. Dadarating yung time sa kanila. Sa ngayon si kianna pero alam ko may iba pang aangat”.

As of the moment, Ara still has no concrete plans for the future. She is still undecided if she will go right back to playing volleyall, “pinagiisipan ko pa if maglalaro na ako kaagad, pero if may opportunity naman pwede naman pagisipan. Kasi may isa pa akong term sa acads so gusto ko muna i-prioritize yun, mag focus sa last term ko para at least maka graduate na ko para mas madami na akong pwede gawin”

Staying involved with the Lady Spikers is something that Ara is also considering, “kung mabibigyan ako ng opportunity, kung aalukin ako, pwede ko naman pagisipan lalo na kung sila naman kasama ko. Matagal ko sila nakasama and kilala ko sila so mas okay yun. Parang may advantage agad sa akin yun”.

Looking back

After five years, Ara deems her team and routine as what she will miss most about playing in the UAAP, “Overall yung teammates ko pinaka mamimiss ko. Yung buong team, yung coaches mamimis ko yung preparation. Training syempre mahaba yan. Hindi naman yan maglalaro ka lang sa Season, syempre buong year yan. Yung buong five years ko tinrain ko, so daily routine ko mamimiss ko”.

Ara happy

When Ara looks back at her journey and what inspired her to become the player she is today, her team, family, and friends are all part of the list but she gives emphasis on her supporters, “yung supporters na laging nandyan kahit na hindi ako naglalaro, kahit injured ako parang nandyan parin sila lagi. Syempre parang sino ba mawawalan ng gana kung ang daming sumpsuporta sayo tapos ikaw hahayaan mo nalang? Parang pag nakikita ko na madaming naniniwala sakin dun ako nagkatiwala sa sarili ko”.

Asked how she wants to be remembered, Ara says, “yung hindi nagigive up. Yung kahit ano mangyari, makakabangon, kahit anong instances”.

 Note: Special thanks to Flavius Dulce and the DLSU Sports photographers for the photos

Lady Spikers reclaim crown, Season 78 Champions!!!!

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Victory.

In its simplest form, victory means winning over an opponent. Today though, victory does not seem to be enough a word to describe what transpired on the hard court for the Lady Spikers. For two years, the ladies donned in Green and White fought hard to bring back the crown to Taft Avenue. For two years, they trained almost every single day to reclaim what was once theirs. For two years, they waited. And today, the day has come. Their win over Ateneo in the first game of this season’s finals? That was victory. But today? When the Lady Spikers gave their all one last time for this season and earned the championship? That is glory.

In a thrilling four-set match, the Lady Spikers were able to prove that it’s time they take back the crown.

From opening serve, the intensity of the crowd can be felt throughout the arena. Fans of both blue and green cheered for their respective teams. Early in the set, the Lady Eagles consistently attacked the Lady Spikers. Errors and miscommunication seemed to have plagued the Spikers as the Lady Eagles continued to build their lead. Down 10-2, Galang then stopped the bleeding that would spark a run for the Green and White. From then, an exchange of points transpired between the two teams. Dy showed her prowess as she scored for the team to cut the deficit. Unfortunately, Ateneo’s Valdez seemed liked a mountain too high to climb, as she led her team in drawing first blood 25-19.

The second frame started with both teams challenging each other point-per-point. Then, it slowly turned into a game of momentums. La Salle had the upper hand as Dy and Fajardo remained offensive-minded resulting in a La Salle run. Then, momentum swung over to the other side as Valdez, De Leon and Maraguinot played catch up and tied La Salle. Dy, Demecillo and Galang then took it upon themselves to bring La Salle back on top. Baron and Galang put the finishing touches for this set, resulting to both teams having one set each.

La Salle seemed more focused in the third set as they continued to score from attacks and off Ateneo’s errors. Determined to win, the Lady Spikers tightened their defense to protect their lead. Maraguniot and Valdez attempted to stop the bleeding but Galang and Dy answered. Defense was the name of the game for the Lady Spikers as their lead ballooned. With the momentum on Taft Avenue, the Lady Spikers clinched their second set of the day, only one step away from glory.

Determination and hunger are in the eyes of the Lady Spikers as they entered the court for the fourth set. In each of their attacks, the Taft-based squad looked as if they’ve already won. The crowd mirrored the players’ energy as they too cheered their hearts out for La Salle. Amped by their ballooning lead and the crowd, Galang showed her true form as she threw an attack Ateneo’s way. The Lady Spikers showed what a team should be and that is, every single player on the court contributing for the team. The Lady Spikers gave their all and never looked back. And now? Now they are champions!

After the game, when Coach Ramil was asked what he thinks won the game for the Lady Spikers, the De La Salle head coach said that it was defense. He said that his team’s defense played a big part for them in winning the championship. The fact that they were able to use their blocking was a plus.

Many might say that this glory will only last until another team holds the title, but to the graduating players who represented our alma mater one last time today, this glory will stay with them forever. The memory of wearing their jerseys one last time and doing everything they can to bring pride to La Salle will forever be etched in their hearts. The legacy they have left will remain with us and with them. To others, this win is just another tally, another victory, another championship, another opportunity for bragging rights, but to the fans, the Lasallian community and especially to the players, this is glory, one that will remain in our hearts for a long time.

So to the graduating players, Mika Reyes, Carol Cerveza, Mika Esperanza, Cyd Demecillo and Ara Galang, hats off to you!!! Thank you for the five years. The Lasallian community will forever be grateful for the pride you have brought to the school. No matter what you choose to do from this point on, you will forever be in our hearts. Animo!

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.