DE LA SALLE extended its mastery over Far Eastern University (FEU) in their season-opening head-to-head duel to four matches after the defending champion Lady Spikers scored a straight-set but tight 29-27, 25-22, 25-23, victory on Sunday in Season 79 University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) women’s volleyball action at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum.Like in the previous three seasons when they always faced each other to kick off their campaigns, the Lady Spikers were pushed to their limits by the Lady Tamaraws, who put up a gallant stand in each set only to lose steam in the end.
The Lady Tamaraws were stubborn in the third set and threatened at 23-24, but two consecutive errors gave the Lady Spikers the victory in the 96-minute contest.
The triumph was a significant start for the reigning titlists who lost key players from last year’s champion team to graduation.
“You cannot look back from what we had last season. We have to rely on what we have right now and work hard so we can reach the same level the teams have this season,” La Salle Head Coach Ramil De Jesus said.
“That’s what we’ve been building with our team until now since some are still adjusting with their roles and responsibilities,” he added.
With two-time Most Valuable Player Ara Galang and Mika Reyes no longer around, Majoy Baron, Kim Kianna Dy, Dawn Macandili and Kim Fajardo stepped up to send a strong message they remain contenders for the crown.
Baron, the reigning Best Blocker, towered with 15 points on nine attacks, three blocks and as many service aces, while Dy, the Season 78Finals MVP, unleashed 11 hits.
Skipper and playmaker Fajardo, playing her fifth year, dictated the pace with 35 excellent sets with 10 digs and four points, while reigning Best Digger and Receiver Macandili had 13 excellent receptions and 11 digs.
“This win is still a blessing for us. We gained enough confidence,” de Jesus said.
Bernadeth Pons led FEU with 12 hits and eight digs.
Not to be outdone, University of the Philippines (UP) carved out a 25-18, 25-11, 25-18 victory over Adamson University in Sunday’s first game.
Kathy Bersola unloaded six of the Lady Maroons’ 15 service aces as the Diliman-based spikers pounced on the Lady Falcons’ poor reception in the 63-minute match.
Ayel Estrañero had a respectable showing as UP’s chief playmaker with 23 excellent sets on top of four points.
Bern Flora and Jema Galanza teamed up for 15 points for Adamson University, which failed to give its American coach Air Padda a winning debut.
On opening day Saturday, Jho Maraguinot started to validate her billing as Alyssa Valdez’s heir apparent as Ateneo carved out a 25-20, 25-21, 25-22 victory over University of Santo Tomas and National University prevailed over an inspired University of the East side, 18-25, 25-20, 25-23, 25-13.
Image credits: Nonoy Lacza, Stephanie Tumampos