WITHOUT reigning MVP Angel Canino, La Salle survived University of the Philippines’ late fightback, 26-24, 25-19, 24-26, 27-25, for its sixth straight win in theUAAP Season 86 women’s volleyball tournament on Thursday at the Mall of Asia Arena.
Shevana Laput was the next woman up on offense for the Lady Spikers in the absence of Canino, scoring 21 points on 18 attacks, two blocks and one ace in a game that nearly slipped from La Salle's grasp.
READ: Odd silence on Canino health status sparks buzz among netizens
By winning for the eighth time in nine matches, the defending champions assured themselves of at least a playoff for a Final Four spot. they can secure the spot if Ateneo loses to Far Eastern University later in the day.
"Sinabihan naman namin yung mga bata na sanay naman tayo 'pag wala si Angel (Canino), like yung nangyari nung Shakey’s (Super League). wWala naman si Angel [pero] nagawa naman nilang manalo, magchampion. Lagi lang naming inaano sa mindset nila na maging ready kayo.
"Andyan si Angel o wala si Angel, kailangan ready kayo," said La Salle deputy coach Noel Orcullo.
The win did not come easy by any stretch for the top-seeded Lady Spikers against cellar-dwelling yet gutsy Fighting Maroons.
Three of four sets drew level at 24-all, but down four match points in the third frame, UP rose back from the depths of defeat with six straight points to force a fourth-set extension aided by 11 unforced errors of 31 total from the Lady Spikers.
UP carried its sharp form off the bat in Set 4 with a quick three-point charge. But as the final frame went the distance, Laput & Co. had just enough in the tank to put the game away.
La Salle outside hitter Maicah Larroza also had her best game of the season to date with a triple-double of 11 points, 14 digs and 10 receptions on top of libero Lyka De Leon's 15 digs and 11 receptions.
Strong an effort as it might have been, a late comeback wasn't meant to be for UP as Irah Jaboneta (18 points) and Steph Bustrillo (16 points) paced a gallant stand for the 1-9 Maroons.
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