La Salle mows down Adamson, but coach not impressed

By Josiah Albelda Posted Dec 1st 2013

Even after an impressive win, De La Salle University coach Ramil de Jesus wasn't satisfied.

"Di ko pa talaga gusto yung nakita ko," the multi-titled coach told reporters after his Lady Spikers blanked Adamson University. "Very disappointed pa ako sa laro naming."

Even a disappointing performance proved to be enough, however, for La Salle as they downed the Lady Falcons, 25-14, 25-22, 25-19, in the 76th UAAP women's volleyball tournament Sunday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The Lady Spikers started off roaring, burying their foes with precise attacks and rock-solid blocking.

La Salle also dominated early in the second set and zoomed to a 9-2 lead, only to relax and allow Adamson to make a game out of it.

The Lady Falcons clawed back with a 9-1 run to take an 11-10 advantage behind Shiela Pineda and Mandy Villanueva.

"Maaga kase kaming nag lunch kaya nun last set, medyo bumaba na yung energy," shared de Jesus. "Naging overconfident pa yung mga bata."  

However, the Lady Spikers would not be denied as Abi Marano and Mika Reyes stepped up for the Taft-based squad in sealing the second, 25-22.

Both squads battled neck and neck in the third set, with Villanueva delivering for Adamson and Reyes leading the charge for La Salle.

An error by Cyd Demecillo tied the game at 17-all before the Lady Spikers ran off with six of the next seven points to virtually end it all at 24-18.

"Madami pa kaming adjustment na gagawin," de Jesus added. "Kaya magpra-practice talaga kami. We have one week to prepare for UST."

Reigning MVP Ara Galang led all scorers with 16 points spiked by 13 kills while Reyes and co-MVP Abi Marano added 12 and 11 points, respectively.

La Salle was dominant in net defense, netting 13 blocks -- seven courtesy of Reyes and setter Kim Fajardo.

Meanwhile, Villanueva spearheaded Adamson with 15 markers off 13 hits and two blocks even as Pineda struggled with her attack and ended up with 10 points.