La Salle hurdles UP in sweep

De La Salle University cruised to its second straight victory for a share of the early lead at the expense of listless University of the Philippines, 25-14, 25-20, 25-14, in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines Season 85 women's volleyball tournament Wednesday at the Mall of Asia Arena.

Freshman Angel Canino flexed her muscle once again after pounding in 11 kills and landing two aces for 13 points to power the Lady Spikers to their second straight win in as many games to tie defending champion National University on top of the standings.

Canino added six excellent receptions for La Salle, which primed up for its coming encounter with archrival Ateneo de Manila University on Sunday with a 77-minute drubbing of UP.

Graduating winger Jolina dela Cruz submitted 12 points and eight digs in an all-around outing while Thea Gagate scored 10 markers for Lady Spikers.

La Salle was in control of the whole match, making sure that there will be no repeat of its five-set marathon against University of Santo Tomas last Sunday.

"It was a sigh of relief from last time that we had a bad start. I guess we're really tight in that game. I told our players to stay with our system. At least, they delivered this time," La Salle interim coach Noel Orcullo said.

UP dropped its second straight assignment to remain winless.

Stephanie Bustrillo was the lone Fighting Maroon in double figures with 10. Alyssa Bertolano and Nina Ytang combined for 13 markers in a lost cause.