MEETING FOR the first time this season since the Season 74 Finals, the De La Salle University Lady Spikers defeated the Lady Eagles, 3-2, in their much awaited encounter last January 12 at The Arena in San Juan.

La Salle kicked off well in the first set as Michele Gumabao led the way for the Lady Archers. However, Fille Cainglet and Alyssa Valdez took advantage of La Salle’s unforced errors as Ateneo rallied to a 19-13 lead, making strong serves and cross court spike. The Cainglet–Valdeztandem took matters in their own hands when La Salle regained the lead at 24-23 and helped Ateneo take the first set, 28-26.

La Salle’sstrong start carried over to the second set as they built an early 5-3 advantage, which later on seesawed to Ateneo, 7-6. La Salle’sMika Reyes and Victonara Galang stepped it up, but Valdez’sscoring overpowered the Archers. Valdez finished the second set off with one of their six service aces in the set, 25-21.

Trailing 0-2 in the match, the De La Salle Lady Spikers showed why they are the back-to-back defending champions as they delivered a 25-13 beating of the Lady Eagles.Gizelle Tan received playing time for Ateneo to rest the cramping Jem Ferrer. Everything was clicking for La Salle as they entered the fourth set in full momentum.

La Salle started off with a 7-2 lead through excellent ball anticipation and aggressiveattacks. Ferrer and Valdez gave Ateneoan 18-17 lead, but La Sallesimply took it back at 20-18. Things turned unfortunate for Ateneo as Caingletleft the game due to a severe sprainshe sustained in an awkward landing. This allowed the Archers to take the set with the score of 25-21.

Taking advantage of the Cainglet-less Ateneo squad, La Salle piled up a quick 7-2 lead in the fifth and final set. Valdez, Gervacio and Ella de Jesus trimmed the La Salle lead down to one, 7-6. At this point, the game’sintensity and sudden switch of momentum drew much noise from the crowd.

La Salle reached match point at 14-11, but Ateneo fought back to trim the lead to 14-13. Despite Ateneo’s last push, La Salle seized the win at 15-13 and completed the comeback.

Both La Salle and Ateneo finish the first round of Season 75 with a 6-1 win-loss record.