La Salle destroys NU, shows who's boss

By Josiah Albelda Posted Dec 11th 2013

If this will be the finals matchup, then De La Salle University has given us a preview of things to come.

The three-peat champions showed who's boss after handing National University a three-set spanking in the 76th UAAP women's volleyball tournament Wednesday at the packed FilOil Flying V Arena in San Juan.

The Lady Spikers silenced the Lady Bulldogs' attackers and ran away with a 25-8, 25-22, 25-19 victory -- their 19th straight dating back to Season 75 -- to grab the solo lead with a 3-0 record.

In a showdown between two teams tipped to battle in the championship round, La Salle proved to be too good, as they overwhelmed and bullied NU right from the get-go before fending off the challenge brought by the Lady Bulldogs in the last two sets.

"They played well," said coach Ramil de Jesus, who wasn't satisfied with his team's performance in their first two games. "Number one factor, di naka-receive yung NU."

The Lady Bulldogs displayed shaky reception all throughout the first set, resulting an offense that failed to gather steam even with the presence of Dindin and Jaja Santiago.

"Yung first set, napaka-importante nun," added de Jesus. "Intimidated siguro yung NU nun." 

But the Lady Bulldogs recovered in the second set and buried the Lady Spikers in an 8-3 hole.

Two-time UAAP MVP Abigail Marano, though, sparked La Salle's comeback, coming up with blocks and attacks as the Lady Spikers stole the second, 25-22.

"Yung second at third, yun talaga ang laro ng NU," said de Jesus. "May mga mali din silang nagawa kaya nakuha namin yung second at third."

Cyd Demecillo continued to flaunt deadly form, dishing out an all-around performance with 13 points off six hits, four aces and three blocks that she laced with a team-high six digs.

Mika Reyes also contributed for the Lady Spikers with 11 points spiked by eight hits while Marano finished with 10 markers.

La Salle converted 35 spikes and finished with seven aces as the Taft spikers went on with what has been a spotless run this season so far.

The Santiago sisters carried the fight for NU, with Dindin and Jaja posting 12 and 10 points, respectively.

However, the rest of the Lady Bulldogs failed to support the sisters, with no other player scoring more than five points.