La Salle proves it can win clutch games too, foils FEU
La Salle, already proving it can stamp its dominance on the UAAP Season 88 women’s volleyball field, just showed it can hold its ground even when pushed hard.
And even as they flirted with disaster against their foes, the Lady Spikers managed to hang on and keep its record spotless, escaping with a nail-biting 25-17, 25-22, 23-25, 19-25, 15-10 win over the Far Eastern University Lady Tamaraws on Wednesday at Mall of Asia Arena.
La Salle lost steam after taking the first two sets, as Gerz Petallo, returning from a three-game absence due to a shoulder injury, led FEU in forcing a decider.
But Shevana Laput and Angel Canino, who powered La Salle with 25 and 24 points, respectively, scored the telling blows that kept FEU at bay in the fifth and secured for the Lady Spikers a twice-to-beat edge in the Final Four.
Amie Provido also stepped up big time with 17 points on a 10-of-20 attacking clip. She added six kill blocks and an ace as La Salle improved to an 11-0 record, moving three games closer to an elimination round sweep and an outright Finals berth.
“The second round won’t be easy for us. That fifth set was really a test of character, and I’m very happy with how everyone responded. We were able to win it, and it showed what we’re capable of,” said Provido in Filipino. “But the job’s not done. We still need to stay focused on the next games.”
One game at a time
“We were already up two sets, then lost the third and fourth. It really came down to heart in the fifth set, and that’s very important for us. We need to sustain that,” the middle blocker added.
The Alas Pilipinas standout was eager to lead by example, embracing the importance of her role as a senior this year in their bid to end a three-year title drought.
“I just focus on stepping up for my teammates since they look up to me. I’m always here for them, and I make sure to give my best every time I’m on the court,” said Provido.
La Salle faces also-ran Ateneo on Saturday at Filoil Centre and winless University of the East on Wednesday next week at UST Quadricentennial Pavilion before ending its campaign against National University on April 19.
Assistant coach Noel Orcullo reminded the Lady Spikers not to look at sweeping the tournament, but to take it one game at a time.
“We always remind them to respect every opponent. Just focus on our preparation and what we’ve been practicing. Our opponents have nothing to lose and playing without pressure. If anything, the pressure might be on our team. So just stay focused and never underestimate anyone—prepare the same way for every game,” he said.
FEU dropped to a 6-5 record tied with Adamson at fourth place despite the return of Petallo, who had 14 points, 18 excellent receptions and nine digs. Love Lopez had 16 points.
UP, earlier, kept its Final Four hopes alive after sweeping Ateneo, 25-20, 25-14, 25-23.
