Lady Spikers repeat over Lady Eagles, sweep 2nd round

MANILA, Philippines – Reigning champions De La Salle University asserted their mastery over Ateneo de Manila University after making quick work of their foes via a 26-24, 25-17, 25-19 decision in the 80th UAAP women's volleyball tournament at the Mall of Asia Arena Sunday.

The Lady Spikers, who were riding on high on the momentum of a seven-game win streak, picked the Lady Eagles apart before a crowd of 23,243 spectaators in the first two sets. 

De La Salle trailed by much as 8-12 the third, but behind Norielle Ipac and the leadership of Kim Dy, they went on to weather Ateneo's Jho Maraguinot and recapture their lethal form to turn the tables just in the nick of time.

"We treat each of our games like it's our last," said Dy, who paced her team with 13. "Kailangang all out." 

"At ayaw naming pumasok ng semis na talo kami. Ayaw namin nang wala kaming confidence [going into the next round]," chimed in reigning Most Valuable Player MaJoy Baron, who accounted for nine points in the effort.   

"Sabi ko nga, para [ito sa] self-confidence namin," mentor Ramil de Jesus said. He noted that his wards' confidence in each other--perhaps bets epitomized by Ipac's shining moment--is intsturmental for the next phase of the skirmishes.

De La Salle's unblemished run in the second half of the eliminations traces back to the win over Ateneo that closed the Lady Spikers' opening round campaign.

Far Eastern University, who earler defeated National University in four sets, officially clinched the second seed and a twice-to-beat incentive following the Taft-based squad's victory. They take on Ateneo in the Final Four. 

The Lady Spikers, who have been at the pinnacle of the tournament for the past two years, rounds out the preliminaries with a 12-2 win-loss record. The Lady Eagles, on the other hand, finish with a 9-5 card and will head into the semifinals without the bonus for the first time since Season 76 of the tournament.

The Lady Tamaraws wrapped up their opening round campaign with a 10-4 win-loss record. The Lady Bulldogs, on the other and, finished with a 7-7 card and will face an uphill battle in taking on the Lady Spikers.

Final Four of the hostilities begin on April 21.

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