La Salle rips UST, sweeps volley elims

MANILA, Philippines - La Salle fought back from six points down in the fifth set to repulse University of Santo Tomas, 20-25, 25-22, 16-25, 25-19, 17-15, and sweep its seven-game first-round campaign in UAAP Season 74 women’s volleyball last Sunday at The Arena in San Juan.

Abigail Maraño scored 18 hits with five blocks and Cha Cruz and Michelle Gumabao made 17 and 16 points, respectively, for the defending champion Lady Archers, who have the Tigresses for the fifth straight time since last season.

Behind Maika Ortiz, the Tigresses raced to a 7-1 lead in the decider but the Lady Archers regrouped and flashed the form that won them last season’s crown to repeat over the España-based tossers.

Ortiz finished with 18 hits and three blocks while Maru Banaticla added 14 points for the Tigresses, who fell to a 4-3 behind Ateneo (5-1) and Adamson (4-2). The Lady Eagles play the Lady Falcons to close the first round campaign at 3:30 p.m. tomorrow, also at The Arena.

Also playing their last matches in the first round are Adamson and Ateneo at 9 a.m. and De La Salle and University of the Philippines at 10:30 a.m. in the men’s contest and Far Eastern University and National University at 2 p.m. in the women’s side.    

Also last Sunday, University of the East snapped a three-game skid by beating UP, 13-25, 25-19, 27-25, 25-14. The Lady Warriors closed out the first round with a 2-7 card, while the Lady Maroons dropped to 0-7.