By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña
The De La Salle University (DLSU) Lady Archers proved to be too much for the University of the East (UE) Lady Warriors after blanking them, 25-21, 25-18, 25-10, in the ongoing UAAP Season 86 Women’s Volleyball Tournament on March 6, 2024, at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
In a highly-anticipated showdown between DLSU’s Angel Canino and UE’s super rookie Casiey Dongallo, hundreds of volleyball fans flocked to MOA to witness the exchange of firepower between the two stars.
However, it was Canino who came out on top as her 17-point performance outdueled Dongallo who finished with 15 points.
DLSU’s game plan was evident from the get-go. Stop Dongallo, and UE will be contained. That strategy paid off dividends for the Lady Spikers as they held the rookie to her lowest scoring output of the season so far with only 15 points.
Aside from their signature middle blocking, DLSU is also finding their groove offensively and capped off the win with a balanced scoring display.
The duo of Thea Gagate and Shevana Laput backstopped Canino’s outing with a combined scoring effort of 18 markers.
Both middle blockers scored nine points each and also hosted the Lady Spikers’ defensive party with seven rejections combined.
Despite the win, DLSU’s lead deputy coach Noel Orcullo admitted that they are still far from top form and will be expecting more adjustments in the long run.
“Actually medyo nakulangan kami kasi nga yung first two sets hindi naging maganda yung galaw, mostly yung iniiskor ng kalaban puro errors. Sabi nga ni coach, bigyan niyo ng respeto. Parang nawala yung respeto nung first two sets,” said Orcullo.
