THE volleyball lore over at Taft isn’t done adding new chapters just yet.
La Salle keeps writing another legend in UAAP Season 88, completing its first 14-game elimination round sweep in 12 years by taking down defending champion National U in a five-set classic, 27-25, 15-25, 23-25, 25-23, 15-13, on Sunday in front of a 19,419-strong crowd at the Mall of Asia Arena.
The big-time win, though, didn't come without controversy, as the Lady Spikers' match-winning point came courtesy of a coach's challenge that became a referee's challenge going their way.
Initially, La Salle, up 14-13 in Set 5 at that point, was called for four touches before head coach Ramil de Jesus called a block touch challenge. It was unsuccessful, but video replays showed a Lady Bulldog's forearm touching the net.
The top game official then pulled out his discretionary referee's challenge which ultimately awarded the point to the Lady Spikers.
La Salle's 'ugly win'
"Ginusto ng mga bata manalo. Ever since (sa Set 4), lamang ang NU e, pero pinusuan ng mga bata," said assistant coach Noel Orcullo, as they had to overcome a 20-23 deficit just to force a tiebreaker Set 5.
"Ugly win, but a win is a win."
In the end, the green-and-white claimed an outright finals berth, marking their 14th appearance in the last 16 seasons.
It also sets the stage for a stepladder semifinals for the rest of the title challengers, giving La Salle a longer runway, as it gears up for another shot at title No. 13.
Shane Reterta topped the scoring column for them with 21 points to go with 18 receptions and 15 digs, while Angel Canino turned in her own 15-point, 16-reception, 12-dig triple-double.
Shevana Laput and Amie Provido also added 16 and 15 markers, respectively, most of which coming in the must-win fourth and fifth frames for the Lady Spikers.
They now automatically advance into the best-of-three title series, awaiting whoever gets out of the gauntlet among NU, Adamson, University of Santo Tomas, and Far Eastern University.
On the other hand, the Lady Bulldogs now figure in a virtual must-win match on Wednesday against the Golden Tigresses - in the sense that a loss would force a three-way tie for No. 2.
National U was paced by skipper Vange Alinsug with 22 points on top of 12 receives, as Arah Panique and Chammy Maaya chimed in 19 and 15 markers, respectively.
Rookie Sam Cantada then made a good acount of herself with 14 points and 24 receptions, while libero Shaira Jardio was all over the mat with 35 digs and 16 receptions.
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