Lady Spikers stay unbeaten

MANILA, Philippines — Front-runner La Salle sent Far Eastern U crashing back to earth, scoring a 25-16, 25-18, 25-21 win while maintaining its immaculate slate in the UAAP Season 85 women’s volleyball yesterday at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City.

Ranged against a high-morale Lady Tamaraws who came off a five-set stunner against Ateneo, the Lady Spikers met little to no resistance and finished off their foes in only 85 minutes for a 5-0 mark atop of the UAAP standings.

The Lady Tamaraws slid to No. 5 with a 2-3 mark.

Four players racked up double digits, led by Thea Gagate’s 13 points on nine hits, two blocks and two aces, as La Salle moved two wins away from a first-round sweep of the elims after a bridesmaid finish to National U last season.

Top rookie Angel Canino, against her ex-La Salle Zobel mentor and now FEU tactician Tina Salak, once again stamped her class with an all-around play of 13 points, eight receptions and seven digs with veterans Leila Cruz (10) and Jolina dela Cruz (10) throwing in help.

Mars Alba (19 sets) and Justine Jazareno (11 digs) orchestrated the floor offense and defense for La Salle, which scored its fourth straight-sets victory after wiping out the floor with University of the Philippines, rival Ateneo and University of the East.

La Salle bested Santo Tomas in five sets in the opener in its lone close game thus far.