Cosmo on Campus: DLSU Lady Spikers Claim Third Straight Championship

We at Cosmo love women who can kick some butt, and the De La Salle University Lady Spikers sure proved that when they secured their third consecutive championship in the UAAP on March 6, 2013 at the Mall of Asia Arena. DLSU successfully outplayed Ateneo de Manila University in a best of three championship series.
Game one last March 2 was upsetting for Ateneo, as it held a 2-0 record until DLSU worked double time and defeated the Blue and White in the next three sets. Before the second game on March 6th, individuals who exemplified stellar performances throughout the season were first awarded. Best Scorer is Alyssa Valdez (ADMU), Best Attacker is Myla Pablo (NU), Best Blocker is Abigail Marano (DLSU), Best Server is Shiela Marie Pineda (AdU), Best Digger is Jennylyn Reyes (NU), Best Setter is Jamenea Ferrer (ADMU), Best Receiver is Jennylyn Reyes (NU), Rookie of the Year is Aiko Urdas (NU), and co- MVP’s of the Season are Ara Galang (DLSU) and Abigail Marano (DLSU).

Missed Game 2? Here's a blow-by-blow of what transpired: The first set:
Early on, it was evident that the Ateneo Lady Eagles were not playing defense as well as they were in the first game. Reception errors were committed left and right, while the DLSU Lady Spikers showed unbelievable defense, particularly in their lethal blocking. As DLSU held match point at 24-20, powerhouse Alyssa Valdez showcased her spiking, as she was able to deliver three kills, which upped Ateneo’s score 24-23, although still in favor of DLSU. This was not enough however, to overcome DLSU in the first set, which closed 25-23.

The second set: Ateneo worked in the second set, earning its first point after a long rally as both teams were not giving up. Valdez ended the rally with a kill from the back row, finally putting Ateneo on board. Ateneo would go on to make the score 4-0 until Angeline Gervacio sent a ball out of bounds of the playing court. The Lady Spikers then picked up the pace and earned the lead, 18-17, as they were able to fully utilize their greatest asset—their height—blocking Ateneo consecutively. Making things more interesting, Mika Reyes shut down the second set with a service ace, 25-20. Reyes would prove to be the team’s prized gem throughout the game, as her deadly blocks disabled Ateneo from bringing in points. The third set: Played at a much slower pace from the previous sets, the third set initially seemed to be in favor of Ateneo. The Blue and White would lead 13-10 until DLSU rallied to dominate the last set. DLSU pulled away 25-16, as confetti showered the almost 17,000 strong audiences in MOA Arena. This was the first sporting event championship that was held in the almost one-year old arena. Consistent DLSU standout and powerhouse Michele Gumabao was awarded Finals MVP. Ateneo’s “Fab 5” ended their UAAP run with their second 2nd place finish, as fans bid their farewell to Gretchen Ho, Dzi Gervacio, Fille Cainglet, A Nacachi, and Jem Ferrer. DLSU was also named as the general champions for UAAP Season 75, dethroning incumbent UST.