De La Salle University bounced back with a statement dismantling of Adamson University, 25-23, 25-12, 25-18, in Game 2 of the Shakey’s Super League National Invitationals finals to tie the series and force a decider Saturday at the FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan.
Save for a shaky start, the Lady Spikers played with more confidence time to push the best-of-three finale to a sudden death scheduled Sunday.
Sophomore Shevana Laput scored all of her 18 points on kills while Amie Provido provided the much-needed support on offense with 13 markers for La Salle’s mighty rebound after a devastating five-set loss in the series opener last Wednesday.
The reigning University Athletic Association of the Philippines champions were able to cut down on their errors with just 17 compared to 33 in Game 1.
“Actually, we told them that we’re not going here just to lose. We must win. We can’t allow ourselves to lose again. We told them that we have to prove that we are the UAAP defending champion,” La Salle assistant coach Noel Orcullo said.
“We have to prove to them (Adamson) that we’re not letting the win easily.”
The Lady Spikers struggled in the opening set with the Lady Falcons, who came into the game unbeaten, putting pressure with their aggressive form.
Adamson even held a 23-21 advantage, but La Salle mounted a counterattack with Maicah Larroza hitting back-to-back kills to put the Lady Spikers on top, 24-23, before Red Bascon threw away the set with an attack error.
Smelling blood, the Lady Spikers were unstoppable in the next two sets to cruise in the 79-minute victory.
Thea Gagate added nine points while Larroza and Alleiah Malaluan combine for 12 markers for La Salle.
Ayesha Juegos was the lone bright spot for the suddenly cold-hitting Lady Falcons with 12 points but had to bleed on attacks with a 10-of-30 spiking clip.
Lucille Almonte was a shell a non-factor on offense with just six points after putting in 24 in Game 1. Bascon got nine.
