By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña
For La Salle, no matter the circumstances, their level of intensity always picks up when facing rival Ateneo.
The revamped La Salle lady Spikers took down season 82 favorite – the Ateneo Lady Eagles – in just 4 sets, 25-17, 17-25, 25-17, 25-15, in one of the most heated rivalries in UAAP volleyball history.
Off to a blazing start, the Lady Spikers capitalized on their great chemistry that resulted in numerous uncontested spikes for La Salle.
The aggressiveness of Tin Tiamzon ignited a furious scoring rally for La Salle after connecting on most of her spikes and confused the Ateneo defense with her efficient drop game.
Tiamzon finished the game with 17 points off 14 attacks, garnered 2 blocks while having one service ace, leading La Salle to a well-deserved victory.
Ateneo tried to fight back after clinching the second set but the Lady Spikers’ intimidating tempo on offense hounded Ateneo and exposed their blocking defense.
“Very crucial game for us. Kita mo na nawawala, pero syempre nakabalik din, so hindi madali yung pinagdaanan naming this game. Sabi ko tiwala lang,” La Salle prized coach Ramil de Jesus said.