De La Salle University hardly missed Shevana Laput as it cruised to another straight-sets win to remain unscathed in UAAP Season 88 women's volleyball.
The Lady Spikers posted a dominant 25-12, 25-15, 25-19 victory over University of the Philippines on Wednesday at the Araneta Coliseum in Cubao, marking their third straight win in as many outings despite missing Laput, who was reportedly "under the weather."
Leading La Salle was former rookie-MVP Angel Canino, who tallied 12 points, six receptions, and five digs. Amie Provido and Shane Reterta chipped in 11 points apiece, while Mikee Santos — who made her first start in place of Laput — finished with 10 points and two digs.
For Lady Spikers head coach Ramil de Jesus, the balanced attack was exactly what they needed, especially after struggling to close out sweeps in their first two games.
"Natuto na kami sa first two games namin, na pagdating sa third set eh nagre-relax," said the veteran coach. "Ngayon, nire-remind ko lang na dapat tuloy-tuloy kami mula first to third set."
It was the opening frame that set the tone, as La Salle raced to a 12-1 start and never looked back en route to the sweep.
On the other hand, UP struggled to generate offense against La Salle's towering frontline, managing just 27 attack points compared to the Lady Spikers' 52.
State U's 23 errors — against La Salle's 19 — also hurt its cause, as UP absorbed its first loss after opening the season with back-to-back wins.
Casiey Dongallo led the Fighting Maroons with six points, as no UP player reached double figures. Niña Ytang, Irah Jaboneta, and Jelai Gajero added four points each.
Meanwhile, FEU Lady Tamaraws clash against Adamson at 3PM.
