Lady Spikers overcome flat start

MANILA, Philippines —   La Salle battled back from a set down to take care of also-ran Adamson, 17-25, 25-19, 25-11, 25-22, and get back on track in a tightrope Top-Two race in the UAAP women’s volleyball tournament yesterday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Undermanned and all, the Lady Spikers owned the last three sets after starting flat for a quick rebound to stay in the running in the hot contest for the twice-to-beat incentives in the Final Four following a huge defeat at the hands of rival National U last weekend.

Shevana Laput continued to take the cudgels in the absence of injured MVP Angel Canino, delivering 24 points on 22 hits as La Salle improved to 10-2 in a three-way tie in the lead with Santo Tomas and NU.

Thea Gagate added 12 on nine attacks and three blocks while Alleiah Malaluan and Amie Provido had eight apiece with playmaker Julia Coronel (19 sets) also making her presence felt on both ends with five points on three blocks.

“Buti na lang nanalo at nakuha ‘yung second set hanggang nagtuloy-tuloy,” said La Salle deputy coach Noel Orcullo.