Lady Spikers reach Eight Mile

By Anthony Divinagracia Posted Jan 19th 2014

Make that 8-0.

Defending champion De La Salle University stretched its winning run to an impressive eight Sunday, repeating over a befuddled Ateneo de Manila University in the 76^th UAAP women’s volleyball tournament at the San Juan Arena.

The four-peat seeking Lady Spikers sent the Lady Eagles crashing anew, 25-14, 25-14, 25-19, to go 8-0 and record their 24 consecutive victory since last season.

Graduating captain Abi Marano scored only ten points while Cyd Demecillo and Mika Reyes each had eight to lead La Salle, which methodically broke down Ateneo’s receiving game with a sleek attacking game.

La Salle’s defense was just as potent, limiting Ateneo star Alyssa Valdez to ten points while the rest of the Lady Eagles combined for only 15 markers in one of the worst offensive outings for the Katipunan-based squad.

Overall, the Lady Spikers racked up 36 hits against only 20 for Ateneo while getting 26 points off the Lady Eagles’ errors.

With La Salle catching fire early on, the Lady Spikers raced to a 16-8 lead in the first set. Ateneo tried to close the deficit but its reception errors and service woes persisted, allowing La Salle to barrel ahead for good.

Marano and company continued to lay siege on Ateneo in the second frame, this time, flexing their defensive muscles over the net. Riding on its tremendous blocking, La Salle sat on a 22-12 cushion which the Lady Eagles again failed to overturn despite Valdez’ efforts.

The third set was no different with La Salle again controlling the pace and grabbing the upperhand, 17-8, and never relenting from thereon to complete the sweep.

Ateneo fell to 5-3 but still remained in third place, with Far Eastern University and Adamson University just a nudge behind both at 4-4.