La Salle books Final Four spot, Ateneo outlasts Adamson in five-setter

De La Salle University punched a Final Four ticket in the UAAP Season 84 women's volleyball tournament on Saturday at the Mall of Asia Arena.

The Lady Spikers booked a semis berth after its sweep of University of the East, 25-12, 25-19, 25-22, which also handed the latter's 12th straight loss this season.

Thea Gagate and Leiah Malaluan tallied 12 points each to lead the Taft-based squad to a Final Four spot.

Meanwhile, Ateneo de Manila University survived a gritty Adamson University squad in a five-set thriller, 24-26, 25-21, 25-19, 23-25, 19-17, to claim the solo fourth spot in the tournament. Faith Nisperos listed a season-high 31 points off 26 attacks, four service aces, and a block on top of 22 excellent receptions.

In the other games, National University remained spotless after defeating University of the Philippines in straight sets, 25-15, 25-10, 25-15. University of Santo Tomas, meanwhile, inched closer to a Final Four ticket after beating Far Eastern University, 25-23, 23-25, 25-15, 25-12.

NU (12-0) and La Salle (9-3) are already assured of advancing to the playoffs, while UST (8-4) and Ateneo (7-5) complete the top four spots. Adamson (6-6) and UP (5-7) are on the fifth and sixth spots, while FEU (1-11) and UE (0-12) remain as cellar dwellers.

UAAP volleyball action will return on Tuesday.

—MGP, GMA News