20 straight: La Salle overpowers UP in straight sets

By Josiah Albelda Posted Dec 15th 2013

And the streak has reached 20.

De La Salle University flaunted its offensive and defensive juggernaut anew in routing University of the Philippines in straight sets in the 76th UAAP women’s volleyball tournament Sunday at the FilOil Flying V Arena in San Juan.

The Lady Spikers connected on 42 kills in hacking out the 25-9, 25-21, 25-19 decision – their fourth consecutive victory this year and 20th straight dating back to Season 75.

Mika Reyes and Ara Galang spearheaded La Salle’s onslaught, firing 11 hits apiece while also teaming up to deliver five of the Taft-based squad’s 10 blocks as they strengthened their hold of the solo top spot.

Like in their previous outings, the Lady Spikers went out of the gates rushing, burying the hapless Lady Maroons in a 23-7 hole behind their blocking and the red-hot Reyes.

And like in their last games, too, La Salle stepped off the gas pedal in the second set and allowed the resilient Diliman spikers to make a game out of it.

UP tied the set at 10-all before two-time MVP Aby Marano spurred the Lady Spikers in a 4-0 burst that gave them a 14-10 advantage.

The Lady Maroons, however, stormed back behind Monica Ortiz, who drilled back-to-back service aces to help UP knot the count anew at 14-all.

That was the closest the Lady Maroons can get, though, as it was an all-La Salle show from then on as Reyes and Galang outsteadied their opponents in crunch time.

The Lady Spikers then cruised in the final set to complete the sweep and continue their dominance in the tournament.

Galang fired 16 points off 11 hits, three aces and two blocks, Reyes had 15 markers and Marano chipped in with eight for La Salle.

On the other hand, Angeli Araneta and Kathy Bersola each posted nine points for UP, who slid to 0-4 with their fourth straight defeat.