MANILA, Philippines — La Salle tries to complete a two-game sweep of defending champion University of Santo Tomas when they clash in Game 2 of their UAAP women’s volleyball championship Saturday at The Arena in San Juan. The Lady Archers won the opening of their best-of-three title series, 25-18, 25-20, 19-25, 16-25, 15-10, and that is expected to give them extra motivation to close out their series.
Game time is at 2 p.m.
In the men’s side, UST tries to complete a four-peat against Far Eastern University at 2 p.m.
The Taft-based volleybelles got five players in double figures with Jacqueline Alarca scoring 19 points to fend off the feisty rally of UST, which overcame a two-set deficit to force a deciding fifth set.
Abigail Marano, Michelle Gumabao and Stephanie Mercado also shone, scoring 13 points each while Cha Cruz added 11 as the Lady Archers won in one hour and 49 minutes.
UST hopes to draw enough firepower from Aiza Maizo, expected to be named as the league's Most Valuable Player, along Maika Ortiz, Rhea Dimaculangan and Judy Caballejo to deny La Salle of another championship.
The Tigresses could play sans sophomore standout Maru Banaticla, who had 19 points in Game 1 but was sorely missed in the latter part of the match because of an injured left knee.
If UST wins, a third game will be held on Wednesday, also at The Arena in San Juan.
Jonas Terrado, Manila Bulletin
