Lady Spikers smother lady tams, near final 4

MANILA, Philippines — Undefeated La Salle clinched at least a playoff for a seat in the Final Four by carving out a gritty sweep over Far Eastern U, 30-28, 25-12, 28-26, in the UAAP Season 85 women’s volleyball tournament yesterday at the Mall of Asia Arena.

The usually potent Lady Spikers, fresh from back-to-back wins over reigning champion National U, came out sloppy but stayed composed and eventually stretched their perfect run to nine matches.

La Salle, behind top rookie Angel Canino’s full-line of 16 points, 14 digs and 15 receptions, widened its gap from the pack and moved a win away from an outright semis ticket.

Jolina dela Cruz added an all-around play of her own with 13 points, 14 digs and six receptions while Thea Gagate carded 11 for La Salle, which bucked a 21-24 gap in the first set and 25-26 deficit in the second frame.

“We started flat. Ni-remind lang namin sila kung bakit nawawala tayo sa sistema. Iba ‘yung ginagalaw niyo sa practice natin. Bumalik lang kami sa sistema,” said deputy mentor Noel Orcullo in lieu of head coach Ramil de Jesus.

In the first game, Eya Laure (17) headlined the barrage as Santo Tomas claimed momentary solo third spot at 6-3 ahead of NU (5-3) after a 25-17, 25-16, 25-17 win over University of the East.

The Lady Warriors dropped to 0-9 and on the brink of elimination.