De La Salle-Dasmariñas shut down its campaign on a high note as it clobbered Colegio San Agustin (CSA)-Biñan, 25-23, 25-18, 21-25, 25-16, in the Philippine Superliga Collegiate Grand Slam on Tuesday at the Mall of Asia Arena.
With Eunice Castillo, Rain Ramos and Basilyn Delfin doing damage, the Lady Patriots bounced back from a rusty third set to snatch the victory in the maiden staging of the collegiate tournament bankrolled by Isuzu, Mikasa, Senoh, Asics, Mueller, UCPB Gen and Bizooku with Genius Sports as technical partner.
Castillo led the way with 16 points built on seven kills, six aces and three blocks while Ramos and Delfin chipped in 14 points apiece for the Lady Patriots, who captured their lone win in five matches to finish at the bottom of the standings.
Setter Myell Joy Pasco made 14 excellent sets while libero Pearl Pena registered 17 digs and 14 excellent receptions.
Still, the experience they gained was valuable.
“We failed to win against UAAP [University Athletic Association of the Philippines] teams because we were star-struck and very conscious,” said La Salle Coach Joven Racelis, whose wards capped their campaign with a once-in-a lifetime chance of playing in the Pasay City venue.
“I think we’re on the same level with CSA because we both came from the south. So the team played its heart out and gave it’s all,” he added.
Joven said his players would forever cherish the chance of seeing action in the league that also has ESPN5, Hyper HD and Aksyon TV as broadcast partners.
“This is our first time to play in this semi-professional league,” said Joven, whose team is seeing action in the National Capital Region Athletic Association and produced a score of current Superliga stars like Iumi Yongco of Foton and Cindy Amutan of Cignal.
“I told my players just to get experience here regardless of the result. If given another chance, we will put up a great fight.”
Aliah Marce and Lency Duarte delivered 14 and 13 points, respectively, for the Eagles.
Meanwhile, heavyweights Petron and F2 Logistics are still clashing in Game 2 of their PSL All-Filipino Conference best-of-three finals showdown at press time.
The Blaze Spikers have the advantage, 1-0, and a victory would not only give them the crown, but would also complete their sweep of the conference, a feat they first achieved in 2015.