By Emy Manipol
QUEZON CITY--Despite the De La Salle Lady Spikers' head coach’s fear that they had little time to rest and prepare for their clash with archrivals Ateneo Lady Eagles, they still managed to win Game 1 in convincing fashion after a three-set victory over the defending champions, 25-22, 25-22, 25- 21 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Saturday night.
The Lady Eagles had a good start as they managed to build a 5-0 lead against the Lady Spikers in the opening set.
The Lady Spikers' sluggish started alerted Coach Ramil De Jesus to call an early timeout.
DLSU gained momentum from there and slowly chipped in the lead to eventually tie the game at 18 apiece.
Kim Dy and Ara Galang went to work and took the lead and later on the first set.
The second canto ended in a similar scoreline, but both squads traded points.
La Salle would get the upper hand only to be countered by Ateneo.
The Lady Spikers then tightened their blocking that made it difficult for the Lady Eagles’ spikers to score on offense.
DLSU build a comfortable lead during the third set. They led by as much as 20-14 but Ateneo attempted a late-game comeback.
After Ateneo scored two back-to-back points after an Amy Ahomiro serive ace, De Jesus pushed the timeout button to remind his team to finish the game in three-sets.
Cyd Demicillo scored three straight points to lead La Salle’s killer blow.
Mika Reyes was named player of the game with 13 points.
DLSU will attempt to snatch back the crown from Ateneo and once again regain the UAAP women’s volleyball supremacy this coming Wednesday as they lead the best-of-three series, 1-0.
Follow her on Twitter: @emymanipol
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