MANILA, Philippines — No entry.
Vengeful La Salle slammed the door, hard and loud, on reigning champion National U in their highly-anticipated rematch yesterday, scoring a convincing 25-10, 25-15, 25-21 win to complete a first-round sweep in the UAAP Season 85 women’s volleyball tournament at the MOA Arena.
With a mighty, impenetrable net wall all-match long, the Lady Spikers denied any access for the usually unstoppable Lady Bulldogs and caged them for good for an unblemished 7-0 first-round campaign.
The Lady Spikers cut the Lady Bulldogs down to size in 89 minutes and thus fulfilled a full reversal after bowing to NU last season in four games without a single set win.
Prized rookie Angel Canino provided the big difference, standing her own in the battle of the titans with 14 points on 11 kills plus eight receptions as La Salle gained a first-round sweep for the first time since Season 76.
Fifi Sharma (12) and Thea Gagate (9) led the block party with three swats apiece as seasoned spiker Jolina dela Cruz had 11 points and 10 digs highlighted by a hammering crosscourt kill to end the match.
“The team played with pride. Hindi kami pwedeng magpa-intimidate,” said coach Noel Orcullo.