Today, the Lady Spikers cemented their position as top seed, breezing through UE in straight sets, 25-10, 25-14 and 25-20. With 2 losses, UST can only finish 2nd.
Michelle Gumabao and Clarisse Yeung were fielded in the 2nd set, while Carmel Garbin, Camille Cerveza and Regine Diego had some playing time in the 3rd. The serve continued to be a double-edged weapon for our team, resulting in some easy points as it frustrated the UE receivers, but also gifted then with some freebies as the aggressive serving resulted in some serves either hitting the net or sailing long. Jacq served at least 2 aces and Gumabao 1. Team captain Steph Mercado had another sterling game as she scored repeatedly off spikes and blocks, and the rest of the team backed her up with good all around play while minimizing their unforced errors.
The defense showed its teeth today, and with the tight marking, UE spiker Rosale was a picture of frustration as her attacks were repeatedly blocked at the net. She resorted to lofting her hits but only succeeded in pushing them out of bounds.
Jacq Alarca was named as the best player. When asked about the secret of their success so far, she highlighted the value of teamwork and the bonding of the players. When you have a group of highly skilled and motivated players thinking and playing as a unit, it’s difficult to envision anything else but success. But, still, it’s one game at a time to the championship.