LA Salle vented its ire on University of the East, scoring a 25-18, 25-20, 25, 25-18 victory on Saturday to end a two-match skid in the UAAP Season 81 women’s volleyball tournament at the Arena in San Juan.
Desiree Cheng did not see action due to a shoulder injury but the Lady Spikers still came up with a solid performance, ripping the Lady Red Warriors after losses to the UP Lady Maroons and UST Tigresses.
Tin Tiamzon stepped up as La Salle improved its win-loss record to 4-2.
It was also a big victory for coach Ramil de Jesus, who is looking to score twin wins on Saturday, leaving the San Juan arena right after the UAAP match to join F2 Logistics at the Muntinlupa Sports Center for a match against PLDT in the Philippine Superliga Grand Prix.
Rookie Jolina dela Cruz continued to lead the way for La Salle, scoring 14 points off nine spikes, three service aces and two blocks, while making 10 digs.
Tiamzon had 10 points, Lourdes Clemente had eight markers including four blocks, while Aduke Ogunsanya had seven markers.
Rookie setter Marrione Alba was converted to open spiker as May Luna played limited minutes due to a facial injury, both contributing four points.
Tiamzon said she was pleased with the win, but it was far from their best.
“That wasn’t our A-game,” Tiamzon said. “But we’re getting there. It’s a process and this season still has a long way to go. Tiyaga lang talaga.”
La Salle will have a week to prepare before its finals rematch against FEU (3-2) on Saturday.
Geline Olarve, Judith Abil and Me-Ann Mendrez scored eight points each for UE, which suffered its fifth loss in six matches.
UE tries to end the first round on a high note as it battles UST (3-2) on Sunday.
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