Lady Archers twit Eagles in opener

The most dominant women’s volleyball team in the UAAP hasn’t missed a beat despite losing key players from last year.

Minus former starters Kim Dy, Majoy Baron and Dawn Macandili, La Salle still came through big as it disposed of arch rival Ateneo, 25-14, 25-17 16-25, 25-19, yesterday to set in motion its fourpeat bid in the 81st UAAP volleyball tournament at the MOA Arena in Pasay.

Skipper Des Cheng, a remnant from last year’s three-peat squad, paced La Salle with 13 points including a service ace that finished off Ateneo’s comeback bid in the fourth set.

May Luna, Jolina dela Cruz and Aduke Christine Ogunsaya did well in filling the vacuum left by their former seniors and chipped in 11, 11 and 10 hits, respectively, while Michelle Cobb had a virtuoso performance with 29 excellent sets while chipping in eight points she highlighted with four service aces.

“It wasn’t an easy win, the situation just favored us because they (Ateneo) succumbed to pressure early and we used it to our advantage,” said La Salle coach Ramil de Jesus, who is seeking to steer his team to a fourth straight championship and seventh of the last nine seasons.

Earlier, super rookie Eya Laure was good as advertised as she powered Santo Tomas to a 25-21, 25-21, 24-26, 24-26, 15-6 victory over a gritty Adamson side to jumpstart its campaign.

In her much-anticipated debut, Laure unloaded 17 points including 13 on kills and three on blocks, and helped Sisi Rondina, who also fired 17, avert a collapse and claim a first win for the Tigresses.