By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña
The De La Salle University (DLSU) Lady Spikers began its quest for a back-to-back championship with a dominant performance over the Adamson University Lady Falcons, 25-16, 25-16, 25-18, in the ongoing UAAP Season 86 women’s volleyball tournament last February 17, 2024, held at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
Angel Canino, the UAAP’s second Rookie Most Valuable Player (MVP), powered the Lady Spikers after tallying 14 points built from 11 successful attacks.
Canino also showed her more diverse game in her second season as a member of DLSU after adding three blocks, four excellent digs, and four excellent receptions.
The high-flying outside hitter immediately set the tone for the Lady Spikers after converting her first three attacks: the first from a cross-court play while the other two from DLSU’s quick 1-2 design play.
Every time Adamson attempted to claw their way back, DLSU was quick to respond with their signature middle blocking and tremendous floor coverage.
Overall, the Lady Spikers won the battle of the middle blocking as they swatted away a total of 10 attempts from Adamson.
Julia Coronel, who is looking to embrace her primary setter role after the departure of Mars Alba, also stepped up for DLSU after dropping 13 excellent sets.
Coronel also delivered five points for the green nation while Lyka De Leon stuffed the stat sheets with 12 excellent digs and eight excellent receptions.
DLSU’s twin tower duo of Thea Gagate and Shevana Laput held the fort for the Lady Spikers and picked up where they left off last UAAP season.
The Lady Spikers will be looking to improve their UAAP record to 2-0 on February 21, 2024, as they square off against the Far Eastern University (FEU) to be held at the SMART Araneta Coliseum.
