LA Salle survives UE

FEU boosts final 4 bid

MANILA, Philippines — Reigning champion La Salle gained a piece of the lead with Santo Tomas to boost its twice-to-beat bid while Far Eastern U charged closer to a Final Four return in the UAAP women’s volleyball yesterday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

For the second straight match without MVP Angel Canino, the Lady Spikers turned to their experience in hacking out a pesky 25-23, 21-25, 25-17, 22-25, 15-12 win over the University of the East. Earlier, the Lady Tamaraws reasserted their mastery of Adamson, 25-19, 25-23, 25-23.

Twin towers Thea Gagate and Shevana Laput conspired with 22 and 21 points, respectively, as the wounded La Salle figured in yet another tough match but nevertheless earned their seventh consecutive win to catch Santo Tomas for the No. 1 seeding with similar 9-1 slates.

Alleiah Malaluan (12), Amie Provido (11) and Princess Maicah Larroza (10) provided solid coverage for the the Lady Spikers, who now brace for another gigantic duel against rival and fellow win-once bonus hopeful National U (8-2) this weekend in Round 2 of their finals rematch.

“A win is a win but it’s a bad win for us. Siguro tine-test talaga kung hanggang saan ‘yung character ng team na ito, kung hanggang saan makakaya,” said assistant coach Noel Orcullo.

UE, despite its lowly record, refused to just roll over and fold in exchanging heymakers with the champions until the fifth set.

Earlier, rookie Faida Bakanke (13), Chenie Tagaod (12), Gerzel Petallo (11) and Jean Asis (10) led a scattered attack as FEU stayed focused in nailing for the last semifinal ticket at 6-4.

FEU, which missed the Final Four in the last two seasons, stretched its comfortable lead from closest pursuers Ateneo (3-7), Adamson (2-8) and UE (2-8). — John Bryan Ulanday