De La Salle University bucked the absence of reigning Most Valuable Player Angel Canino as it needed four sets to take out University of the Philippines, 26-24, 25-19, 24-26, 27-25, Thursday for its sixth straight in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines Season 86 women’s volleyball tournament at the Mall of Asia Arena.
The Lady Spikers improved to 8-1 at solo second, just behind the 9-1 University of Santo Tomas, despite Canino missing the game due to cut on her right arm.
It could not be determined when she will make her return to active duty but the conquest of UP earned La Salle a playoff spot for a Final Four place.
A victory by Far Eastern University over Ateneo de Manila University later in the day will give the Lady Spikers and National University tickets to the post-season.
“Perhaps the players were surprised to know that Angel won’t be able to play but should be ready,” said coach Noel Orcullo.
The win did not come easy for the defending champions, who squandered a 24-20 match point in the third set as the Fighting Maroons piled up six straight points to force a fourth frame, 26-24.
UP reached set-point in the fourth at 24-22 but Alleiah Malaluan powered La Salle to 25-all before Maicah Larroza’s attack from the pipe put them on top followed by Julia Coronel’s block on Joan Monares for the hard-earned victory in two hours and 26 minutes.
“Of course with Angel, we’re not sure, but definitely there’s the need to step up so I guess there’s that pressure but I’m glad that my team and the coaches have that trust in me,” said Shevana Laput, who logged 21 points on 18 attacks.
Malaluan contributed 17 points, 11 excellent receptions, and nine digs, while Larroza came off the bench and produced 12 points, 14 digs, and 10 receptions.
The Lady Spikers look for their seventh consecutive win on Tuesday against University of the East at the SMART Araneta Coliseum.
Irah Jaboneta uncorked 18 points and 11 digs as UP dropped to 1-9 at the bottom of the eight-team field.
UP’s next game will be on Wednesday against UST.
In men’s play, Far Eastern University had to walk the tightrope before carving out a five-set 25-20, 20-25, 18-25, 25-18, 15-12, victory over Ateneo de Manila University to keep its place on top.
Outside hitters JJ Javelona and Andrei Delicana and middle blocker Martin Bugaoan delivered the telling blows in the fifth set for the Tamaraws.
Javelona caught fire for a 6-3 lead and Delicana made his presence felt as FEU zoomed to a 13-8 advantage.
While the Blue Eagles threatened at 11-13 following three straight errors, Bugaoan pulled the plug on their upset-minded foes by providing the killing blows after two hours and seven minutes of spiking.
The Tamaraws extended their winning streak to four games, improving to an 8-1 record.
Delicana led FEU with 19 points on 14 attacks and five blocks while Javelona and Dryx Saavedra got 16 points apiece.
Bugaoan also finished with 13 points.
FEU will shoot for its fifth straight victory on Tuesday against Adamson University at the SMART Araneta Coliseum.
In another matchup, De La Salle University made short work of winless University of the Philippines, 25-20, 25-16, 25-14, to solidify its hold of the third spot.
The Green Spikers snapped a two-game skid to rise to 6-3 in the standings.
The Green Spikers towered over the Fighting Maroons with 12 blocks led by Nat Del Pilar and Billie Anima with five and four, respectively.
La Salle also dominated the spiking category with 44 over the 29 of UP.
