La Salle, FEU join early volley leaders

MANILA, Philippines - La Salle blasted Adamson, 25-23, 24-26, 25-14, 25-17, while Far Eastern U toppled University of the Philippines, 25-14, 26-24, 25-20, to join Ateneo and University of Santo Tomas in the early lead of the UAAP women’s volleyball at The Arena in San Juan yesterday.

The Lady Spikers needed to fend off the Lady Falcons’ tough stand in the first two sets before dominating the third to complete the straight-set victory.

Former MVP Ara Galang fired a career-best 27 points with the former Angeles University Foundation high school standout also coming up with five blocks and eight digs.

Earlier, Bernadette Pons fired 15 points, Remy Palma had 10 hits, including three service aces and two blocks, while libero Tin Agno produced 14 digs as the Lady Tams outplayed the Lady Maroons.?       

In men’s play, University of Santo Tomas tripped University of the East, 25-18, 25-22, 25-21, while UP fashioned out a 22-25, 25-21, 25-14, 22-25, 15-12 victory over De La Salle as they tied National University and Ateneo in the lead in the early going of the tournament. ?      

Mark Gil Alfafara had two blocks to finish with 21 points, while Romnick Rico tossed in 13 points as the Growling Tigers spoiled the debut of Red Warriors rookie Edward Camposano who fired 17 hits.?        

FEU, a 29-time champion which last reigned in the 2007-08 season, showed a lot of promise as it primed up for a showdown with the defending champion Ateneo Lady Eagles on Saturday.?       

“We got a good game and hopefully our players will mature more. We have a mix of veterans and rookies,” said FEU coach Shaq delos Santos. “I hope we could not only improve on our defense but also on offense.”?