Lady Archers notch No. 5 vs UP tossers

MANILA, Philippines - De La Salle streaked to its fifth straight victory while sending University of the Philippines (UP) to its fifth consecutive loss, 25-16, 25-17, 25-22, yesterday in UAAP Season 74 women’s volleyball at the Arena in San Juan.

Team captain Cha Cruz played an all-around game for the unbeaten defending champions, registering a personal season-high 19 points laced with seven aces and had six digs. Abigail Maraño complimented Cruz’s strong performance with 14 points, 12 on attacks.

University of Santo Tomas scored a 25-18, 25-19, 25-18 victory over University of the East (UE) in yesterday’s other women’s match. Maru Banaticla had 16 points for the Tigresses who, after a 0-2 start, have won three straight so far.

“We improve on our service and reception,” said UST coach Odjie Mamon.

Despite facing a lightweight UP side, De La Salle coach Ramil de Jesus said his wards still were below 100 percent because of their academic load.

Angeli Araneta and Jessa Lasmarias each had 10 points for the Lady Maroons, who have yet to show chemistry this season.

The Tigresses drew 13 points from Maika Ortiz and nine hits from rookie Carmela Tunay in disposing of the Lady Warriors, who were led by Jimberly Dawn Dizon’s 10 points.

UE dropped to a 1-4 record to stay ahead of UP in the standings.

In the men’s contest, Arvin Avila scattered 14 points to power Far Eastern University past UE, 25-20, 22-25, 25-20, 25-20, to also remain unbeaten in five games.

Mark Gil Alfafara, meanwhile, had 20 hits to lead five other UST players in double figures as the reigning champion Growling Tigers frustrated an upset hungry National University crew, 27-29, 25-13, 25-22, 17-25, 15-12.

The victory was UST’s fourth in five outings.