FIVE-SET FINISH

Lady Spikers de fang Lady Bulldogs

Defending champion De La Salle outlasted National University, 15-25, 25-19, 18-25, 25-19, 15-12, in a thrilling rematch of last year’s University Athletic Association of the Philippines women’s volleyball tournament Finals before 13,848 fans at the Smart Araneta Coliseum Saturday night.

Shevana Laput had 20 points, including the match-sealing kill that lifted the Lady Spikers in closing the first round with a 6-1 record.

“We definitely have to fight for it. I’m thankful that my teammates put that trust on me,” Laput said.

The Lady Bulldogs, who drew 21 points from Alyssa Solomon and a 20-point, 20-dig outing by former Most Valuable Player Bella Belen, dropped to 5-2.

Reigning MVP Angel Canino added 17 points, including two service aces, and seven digs while Em Provido had five blocks for a 13-point outing for De La Salle.

“Our quest to win won’t be easy. I told the players that we would always give out our best, refrain from being complacent even if we are leading,” Lady Spikers assistant coach Noel Orcullo said.

“We just have to stick to the system,” Orcullo added.

In men’s play, University of Santo Tomas had to walk the tightrope before defeating Adamson University, 25-18, 21-25, 25-19, 23-25, 15-10, for its second straight win.

Reigning Josh Ybañez had 24 points, including two service aces, 26 receptions and six digs while GBoy de Vega was also solid for the Golden Spikers with 20 points and 20 receptions.

It was a character-building win for UST, which endured a three- match losing streak, including two five-setters defeats to Far Eastern University and Ateneo de Manila University, in the first round.

“I am so happy to see my teammates work hard in getting the win. We won as a team,” Ybañez said.

The Falcons were led by Francis Casas with 15 points, including two blocks, dropped to 3-4 in sixth place.

The first round ends Sunday at the Big Dome with the Tamaraws and the Blue Eagles colliding at 10 a.m.

University of the East and University of the Philippines, still searching for the elusive first win, duke it out at 12 p.m.

‘Our quest to win won’t be easy. I told the players that we would always give out our best, refrain from being complacent even if we are leading.’