La Salle sends UST packing, sets up finals duel vs NU in UAAP women's volleyball

De La Salle University is back in the UAAP women's volleyball finals stage after ousting University of Santo Tomas, 25-22, 11-25, 25-21, 25-21, in the Final Four round on Saturday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

With their backs against the wall, UST was catching up with the Lady Spikers as the fourth set was tied at 12. La Salle then took a 16-13 lead as Cassie Carballo returned after a minor ankle tweak. From then, the Taft-based squad cruised to a 20-16 lead. A UST attack error ignited a mini run as the Golden Tigresses tied the set at 20. An error broke the dry spell for La Salle as it commenced a 4-0 run to match point. UST's block touch challenge, however, was deemed successful before a service error by Angge Poyos sealed the victory for their foes.

Despite the win, head coach Ramil de Jesus said they still have need to adjust certain parts of their game.

“Medyo happy. Medyo happy kasi slow start eh, ang tagal makapag-adjust, eventually nagpaikot kaagad ako ng setter so nakita ko naman na nag-work naman and 'yun na 'yun. Ine-expect ko pa na mas makagalaw pa sa susunod na game. Marami pa kaming dapat ayusin,” De Jesus said.

Angel Canino put up 19 points anchored on 17 attacks, while Amie Provido and Shevana Laput had 15 and 14 points, respectively.

Blocking was also crucial in La Salle's win as they made 11 against UST's nine, with one each from Pia Abbu and Em Banagua. Laput and Katrina del Castillo led the block party with three each.

The win spoiled Carballo's 22-point outing, while Reg Jurado had 21 points. 

La Salle's journey to the finals was not that easy.

The Taft-based squad had its worst start in almost two decades, 1-2, before they finished the elimination round with a 9-5 record, tied with UST. La Salle then exacted revenge against UST in the playoff for no. 2 to claim the twice-to-beat bonus before booking a ticket to the finals. UST dispatched La Salle last season in the Final Four.

“Siyempre ‘yung UST hindi rin talaga madaling kalaban as in they’re known din talaga na grabe ang depensa nila tapos hindi rin sila basta basta naggi-give up. Kailangan talaga na pusuan rin namin kasi gusto rin ng UST eh they really want na makabalik din ng Finals but siyempre, mas ginusto rin namin kasi we have a goal,” Canino said.

This is La Salle's 21st finals appearance in the UAAP.

The Lady Spikers will face defending champions National University again in the finals. The two teams last faced off for the crown in Season 85 where La Salle won the title.

—JKC, GMA Integrated News