The De La Salle Lady Spikers recovered from huge deficits in the first two sets to complete a sweep of the National University Lady Bulldogs, 27-25, 27-25, 25-16, in the UAAP Season 80 women's volleyball tournament on Saturday at the Filoil Flying V Centre.
The defending champions successfully avenged their five-set defeat at the hands of the Lady Bulldogs in the first round. They are now tied at the top of the standings with identical 6-2 slates.
La Salle dominated all statistical categories, with notable edges in blocks (9-5) and service aces (13-5).
Kim Dy fired nine attacks, three aces, and two blocks for 14 points, while Desiree Cheng added 13 markers. Majoy Baron also finished in double-digits with eleven points.
The Lady Spikers played catch up in the first two periods, which they both managed to extend and steal from NU.
They had to climb back from a 14-21 hole in Set 1, taking advantage of the Lady Bulldogs' errors down the stretch. They found themselves trailing again, 10-17, in Set 2, but they displayed their resiliency and championship composure to pull off another comeback.
After switching the momentum on their side, it was La Salle's turn to pull away in the third frame. Teeming with confidence, they managed to hold on and score a commanding 25-16 triumph.
Jaja Santiago and Risa Sato combined for 24 points to pace NU in the loss.
In the first game, the University of the Philippines Lady Maroons survived a tough five-setter against the Adamson Lady Falcons, 25-18, 14-25, 25-19, 21-25, 16-14, put an end to their five-game slide.
Rose Cailing has warmed up to her role as UP's main playmaker, earning the Player of the Game honors after tallying 32 excellent sets compared to the 19 that Adamson's Fhen Emnas tossed.
Tots Carlos and Isa Molde exploded for 22 ad 18 points, respectively, while Marian Buitre chipped in with 12 markers.
The two teams needed a deciding fifth set as they took turns in owning the first four periods. The Lady Maroons built a 12-10 advantage in Set 5, but the Lady Falcons beat them in reaching match point, 14-13, off a Mylene Paat kill. Molde generated back-to-back markers off the blockers, then Ayel Estranero smashed the ball for the win.
Jema Galanza led all Adamson scorers with 19 points, to go with 12 receptions and eleven digs. Rookie Chiara Permentilla and Paat were also productive as they produced 17 and 14 points respectively.
The Lady Falcons absorbed their second loss in a row to end up tied with UP in fifth place with 3-5 cards.