Lady Archers stay unscathed, nail 4th win

MANILA, Philippines — Leader La Salle bucked a slow start and took care of winless but gritty University of East, 25-20, 25-21, 25-14, to stay unscathed in the UAAP Season 85 women’s volleyball yesterday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Thea Gagate spearheaded the block party, towering with five blocks and eight kills for 13 points as the Lady Spikers firmed up pole position with their fourth win in as many games.

Gagate’s hulking net defense made up the chunk of La Salle’s 15-block total compared to UE’s two with super rookie Angel Canino leading the way on offense.

Canino churned out 10 points with Jolina dela Cruz (9) and Baby Jyne Soreño (7) providing support.

Mars Alba had 14 excellent sets for La Salle in a steady revenge bid after a runner-up finish last season.

But interim head coach Noel Orcullo is far from satisfied.

“We started slow. Masyado kaming nag-kampante. First two sets, parang sinasabayan lang namin ‘yung kalaban, hindi kami nag-stick sa game plan,” said Orcullo. “Actually di pa rin ako satisfied. We can do more.”

La Salle, fresh off a morale-boosting win over rival Ateneo last weekend, met a strong UE (0-4) resistance and even trailed in the second set, 0-4, before regrouping.

Meanwhile, Far Eastern U (2-2) added to the piling woes of Ateneo (1-3) with a thrilling 25-12, 15-25, 19-25, 25-15, 18-16 comeback win.

Jovelyn Fernandez (18) starred on offense with libero Margarett Encarnacion sweeping the floor with 35 digs and 12 receptions.