By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña
The De La Salle University (DLSU) Lady Spikers extended its unbeaten UAAP Season 85 Women’s Volleyball tournament run to nine games.
After another sweeping victory against their main rivals National University (NU) during their first game of the second round, the Lady Spikers asserted their mastery over the Far Eastern University (FEU), 30-28, 25-12, 28-26, last March 29, 2023, held at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
Jolina dela Cruz was once again in the zone for the Lady Spikers after leading the squad with 13 points built from 10 successful attacks.
Aside from her efficient scoring in the three-set affair, the candidate for this season’s Most Valuable Player (MVP) award also tallied 14 excellent digs, two service aces, and a block.
FEU had a decent run after getting the better of the Lady Spikers in the first 10 minutes of action but the taller DLSU squad began to operate with their middle blocking that helped them retake momentum.
After dela Cruz’s two-point swing, the Lady Spikers were suddenly ahead which sucked the life out of the FEU squad after a great effort to handling DLSU’s attacks.
It was the same scenario in the last set when FEU had another solid offensive outing and kept it close with the DLSU spikers.
However, FEU failed to sustain their high-octane game and folded under pressure when the Lady Spikers dominated in the middle-blocking department once again.
DLSU will have the chance to sweep the tournament just like the huge feat the Lady Bulldogs achieved last season if they win their remaining games against UST, UP, Adamson, Ateneo, and UE from April 2-29, 2023.
