By Michael Angelo S. Murillo
Senior Reporter

THE defending champions De La Salle Lady Spikers gave their University Athletic Association of the Philippines Season 81 semifinal push a boost with a straight-sets win over the Adamson Lady Falcons, 25-15, 25-18 and 25-16, on Sunday in league action at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Showing fine form and steady dominance, the Lady Spikers were just a handful for the also-rans Lady Falcons en route to the commanding victory, their third win in a row that improved them to 8-3 for the season, good for solo second place and creating further distance from the chasing pack.

It was a fast start for La Salle, led by veteran Des Cheng and rookie Jolina Dela Cruz.

It took an 8-1 lead by the first technical break of the opening frame and just did not let go of the gas pedal on its way to the 25-15 set win and 1-0 lead for the match.

In the second set, the Lady Spikers got to a strong start anew only to be countered well by their opponents.

Bern Flora and Joy Dacoron would lead the Lady Falcons to a 16-15 edge midway.

But La Salle regrouped in the homestretch, going on a 6-0 blast after to take a 21-16 lead.

It was a leverage that the Lady Spikers took full advantage of, going for the closeout to go up 2-0.

Riding a huge momentum, La Salle was at point to begin the third frame.

It raced to an 8-2 lead by the first technical timeout, then to a 16-11 advantage halfway.

Adamson made a mini 4-2 run to come within 18-15.

La Salle though would nip the run in the bud after, racking up three straight points to create more breathing space, 21-15.

From there it was all Lady Spikers, who finished with a 4-1 run to clinch the victory.

Dela Cruz led La Salle with 13 points, nine off attacks, two blocks and two service aces.

Cheng added 11 points for the Lady Spikers, the three-time defending champions.

“We just did not relent throughout the game. We encounter some problems in the second set but we adjusted and forged ahead,” said Dela Cruz, named player of the game.

La Salle next plays league-leading Ateneo Lady Eagles (9-1), who had a game later yesterday, on April 13.

Adamson (1-10), which has dropped seven straight matches, meanwhile, faces off with the University of the East Lady Warriors (2-9) also on Saturday.

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