Lady Spikers were just not in their usual selves in Game 1
The Lady Spikers dropped game 1 of the best-of-three finals series against UST today in 4 sets – 26-24, 23-25, 16-25, and 21-25. The team lapsed into uncharacteristic errors against a tall and experienced UST team, and they now must take the second game on Saturday, February 27 if they want to retain the championship they won last year at the expense of FEU.
Setter Kaye Martinez was used sparingly because of a shoulder injury she suffered during the final 4 match against Adamson over the weekend, and this told on the fluidity of the Lady Spikers’ offense as backup setter Carmel Garbin wasn’t as precise in setting up our attackers. The variety in attack was also not as sharp, allowing the UST defense to set up their defense against our individual attackers.
Maybe it was the championship pressure, but the team lost two points when trailing at 19-21 in the 4th set because the ball dropped between two players, either of whom could have easily retrieved the ball. This kind of miscue occurred a few times during the match, robbing the team of the opportunity to score and giving UST some breathing room.
It’s a Girls’ Fight Out for DLSU and UST
Dynasty over Destiny
by Floren Faye Chua
The finals matchup volleyball fans have been eagerly awaiting is now set. On Wednesday, our Lady Spikers, the defending champions, face off against surging UST Tigresses, which swept the 2nd round. The eliminations saw both teams split their encounters, with each team needing a decisive 5th set to eke out a win. We should expect a very exciting matchup in Game 1 on Wednesday, February 24.
Lady Spikers overwhelm NU for 12th win
The Lady Spiker’s win today wasn’t a surprise at all. What is shocking though was that the winless NU squad was able to win a set. You could chalk that up to overconfidence on the part of our volleybelles. Nevertheless, with the Lady Spiker’s 25-15, 19-25, 25-15, 25-13 demolition job on the Lady Bulldogs, they are assured of a twice-to-beat advantage in the semis. A win over also-ran UE on Wednesday will solidify their top position at the end of the eliminations.
Charleen Cruz led the team with 14 points and 11 attacks.
Unbeaten for the Holidays
The Lady Spikers will bring their perfect slate on to the new year as they fashioned out a 25-18, 26-24, 25-14 win over UP today to remain on top of the helm. Stephanie Mercado led the team to their 5th win in as many games with 17 hits. Charleen Cruz followed with 13 points. Reserves Camille Cerveza and Isabella Lepping also contributed significantly as they each had 3 service aces out of the team’s total of 11.
In the men’s division, the Green Spikers absorbed its 3rd setback in 5 games as they fall to Adamson 25-22, 25-14, 25-22. Chris Macasaet topscored for the Green Archers with 19 points
Our volleyball teams will resume their campaign starting Jan 9 as the Lady Spikers face NU while the Green Spikers take on FEU the next day.
Cruzin’ To Their 4th win
The Lady Spikers simply outclassed UE today 25-21, 25-20, 25-21 to stay unbeaten in UAAP Season 72. The score though does not clearly reflect how our team dominated the contest. If not for a series of service errors, the margin would have been staggering. It was clear from the start that the Lady Spikers were heavily favored to claim their 4th win. Charleen Cruz, who had 12 points, was the best player of the game.
Over at the men’s division, the Green Spikers prevailed over National U in 5 sets to notch their 2nd win in 4 games.
