UAAP Women’s Volleyball: DLSU survives Adamson in five grueling sets

By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña

The De La Salle University (DLSU) Lady Spikers erupted in the most crucial stretch of the final set to deny the strong fight from the Adamson Lady Falcons, 25-17, 25-27, 23-25, 25-23, 15-9, in the ongoing UAAP Season 85 women’s volleyball tournament last April 19, 2023, held at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.

Entering the fifth and deciding set scoreless while trailing by two points, 0-2, the Lady Spikers flipped the switch at the most perfect time of the match and scored eight straight unanswered points to return to the driver’s seat, 8-2.

After DLSU displayed their fiery offensive streak of the game, Adamson suddenly lost momentum and saw the Lady Spikers’ high-octane attack work to perfection during their last four winning possessions.

Super rookie sensation Angel Canino once again led the DLSU attack and carried the green nation with a career-high 28-point performance in the women’s division built from 22 successful attacks.

Aside from Canino’s offensive clinic, the DLSU superstar also filled the stat sheets and tallied 19 excellent receptions, six digs and five blocks.

With the Lady Spikers needing a wake-up call after dropping sets two and three, Canino replicated her performance against the UST Golden Tigresses in the first round and single-handedly answered every Adamson point in the much-needed fourth set win.

Canino was just unstoppable and almost cashed in a point every time setter Mars Alba threw the wide cross-court set to the left.

Thea Gagate, DLSU’s superstar middle blocker, also rose to the occasion and responded to the challenge with a bang after recording 22 points and three big blocks.

 

 

This is Gagate’s best offensive performance since playing for the Lady Spikers at the women’s level and is looking to achieve more come playoff time.

DLSU senior Jolina Dela Cruz also chipped in during the win and scored 21 markers while also doing a good job in the floor coverage after putting up 13 excellent receptions.

“Buti na lang kumapit at least nakuha sa tiyaga, sabi nga namin tiyagain lang, gapangin natin. Lamang sila ng set? Gapangin natin. Nag respond naman sila nung fifth set,” said DLSU interim head coach Noel Orcullo.