La Salle survives FEU in 5-set thriller

MANILA, Philippines (UPDATED) — The DLSU Lady Spikers needed 5 sets to do it but they survived the resilient FEU Tamaraws, 25-14, 25-9, 22-25, 19-25, 15-7, in the UAAP Season 78 women’s volleyball tournament on Saturday, March 5 at the FilOil Flying V Arena in San Juan.

Kim Dy had 14 points to lead the Lady Spikers, who hiked their record to 6-2 to start the second round. while the Lady Tamaraws fell to 4-4.

Ara Galang had 13 points on 10 attacks, a block and two service aces, while Mary Joy Baron also posted 13 markers that included 4 rejections and 3 aces.

Cyd Demecillo, who stepped up big in the final period, tallied 12 points to go with 12 excellent digs.

After getting sent back down to Earth with a straight-sets defeat at the hands of UST 3 days ago, top title contender La Salle looked on its way to a sweep after stamping its class on FEU in the first two sets.

But the Lady Tamaraws proved resilient as they upped their energy and confidence to take control of the next two sets and force the decider.

Not wanting to be upset and caught getting complacent once again, the Lady Spikers, who are not too far removed from shocking defending champions Ateneo Lady Eagles in their first round clash, raced to an 8-2 lead in the 5th and never looked back.  

Bernadeth Pons had a game-high 23 points off 20 kills and 3 aces. Toni Rose Basas and Mary Joy Palma provided support with 14 and 11 points, respectively. Palma also had 4 blocks. — Rappler.com