The Lady Spikers are not ready to lose just yet.
Behind team captain Cha Cruz, De La Salle overcame a determined challenge by the UST Tigresses to escape with a come-from-behind 5-set victory today 20-25, 25-22, 16-25, 25-19, 17-15.
With the win, the Lady Spikers finish the first round of eliminations undefeated at 7-0. They also extend their mastery over the Tigresses since losing to them in the finals two years ago.
Cruz finished the game with 17 points, 16 attacks and 1 service ace while Abigail Marano added 18 points and 5 blocks. Both players were instrumental in the team’s comeback trail in the deciding set wherein they erased a 6-point deficit to clinch the win.
In a rematch of last year’s finals, both squads fought tooth and nail throughout the match. The Tigresses appeared to have things in control after taking a 2-1 set and with the momentum clearly in their favor. But the Lady Spikers simply refused to give up as they mounted a furious finish in the 4th set.
However, with fatigue setting in, they started flat in the final set as UST erected an early 7-1 lead. Luckily, the team showed tremendous resolve down the stretch to tie the count at 13-all.
With the score still tied at 15, UST committed a costly error paving the way for La Salle to seal the game.
The game would probably not have been this close if not for the 44 errors committed by the Lady Spikers. This is one area that needs to be addressed come the second round.
The team showed a lot of heart today. They have been in this situation so many times. Even when they are pushed to the brink, they always seem to find a way to win.