MANILA, Philippines — De La Salle University head coach expected that their quest for a third straight UAAP women's volleyball crown will not be a walk in the park.
True enough, they were tested as early as their first assignment.
The Lady Spikers had to dig deep to escape the University of Santo Tomas Golden Tigresses 25-20, 17-25, 25-22, 15-25, 15-8 Saturday at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay.
While they still have the reigning MVP Majoy Baron, reigning best libero Dawn Macandili and top scorer Kim Dy, La Salle lost a vital cog in their arsenal after setter Kim Fajardo exhausted her playing years.
"Sinabi ko na 'yan sa players (ko) na kung gusto nila manalo, dadaan tayo sa mahirap na part ng laro and hopefully makapag adjust sila," he said.
Baron led the Lady Spikers with 19 points while reigning finals MVP Des Cheng added 12 and Aduke Ogunsanya chipped in 10.
De Jesus gave his new starting setter Michelle Cobb, who dished 37 excellent sets, two blocks and four aces, a passing grade for her first outing.
"Sabi ko kung ano siya, 'yun ang gawin niya. Improve niya yung style niya (kasi) more on maitaas niya lang yung bola," De Jesus said.
"Mas maganda kung nadidiskartehan niya yung bola."
Team captain Sisi Rondina paced the Tigresses with 28 points while Fil-Italian rookie Minela Alessandrini added 18.
The Lady Spikers will next face the University of the Philippines Lady Maroons on Saturday at the FilOil Flying-V Centre in San Juan.