Laput catches fire as Lady Spikers overpower Golden Tigresses

MANILA, Philippines — Too strong, too fast and too good.

Shevana Laput heated up just in time to tow the La Salle Lady Spikers past the gritty University of Santo Tomas Golden Tigresses, 25-14, 25-15, 26-24, in the UAAP Season 88 women’s volleyball tournament Sunday at the Mall of Asia Arena.

Laput finished with 22 points on 17 attacks, four blocks and an ace, while Angel Canino had 13 markers. Eshana Nunag tossed up 16 excellent sets to go with three points.

After pulling away late in the first two sets, La Salle looked headed to another easy third set victory as they held a 20-16 lead after a Laput kill.

But UST unleashed an 8-2 run, with Xyza Gula and Angge Poyos on the forefront, to take a 24-22 lead.

With one more point before forcing a fourth set, Laput took matters into her own hands.

After an attack error by UST, Laput blocked Gula twice to push La Salle in front, 25-24.

With the Lady Spikers in position for the win, they once again went to Laput, who punched in a kill for the win, 26-24.

La Salle thus remained unblemished in the tournament as they climbed to 2-0 in the standings, while UST was kept winless through two games.

The Lady Spikers are now tied with the University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons, who are also undefeated through two games.

Both teams are trailing the top-seeded National University Lady Bulldogs (3-0).

La Salle and UP will stake their unbeaten records as they face each other on Wednesday, while UST will take on fellow 0-2 Ateneo Blue Eagles.

Both games will be on Wednesday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

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