By JONAS TERRADO (http://www.mb.com.ph/SPRT20090114145601.html)
De La Salle downed University of the East, 25-17, 25-12, 25-15, to grab the solo lead in the 71st UAAP women’s volleyball tournament yesterday at the FEU gym in Morayta, Manila.
Stephanie Mercado, daughter of legendary trackster Lydia de Vega-Mercado, tallied 14 points while veteran Manilla Santos and Charleen Cruz added 12 points apiece as the Lady Archers finished off the Redskirts in just 61 minutes.
La Salle finished the first round with a 6-1 record.
Either Far Eastern University or Adamson University will join La Salle on top of the standings at the end of the first round elims when they clash today at The Arena in San Juan.
Both the Lady Tamaraws and Lady Falcons have similar 5-1 cards.
Jacqueline Alarca, the UAAP’s leading scorer added 10 points for the Lady Archers.
It was the fourth defeat of the UE Redskirts, thus dropping further in the standings at 2-5.
Meanwhile, National University ended the first-round on a winning note by stunning University of the Philippines, 25-20, 16-25, 25-19, 20-25, 15-10, in a game that lasted one hour and 42 minutes.
Jennifer Anne Cardonica led the Lady Bulldogs’ attack with 22 points while Mervic Mangui added 20 hits for their first win of the season.
UP’s team captain Carmina Barcelon led the way with 15 points but fell short in the end as the Lady Maroons dropped to a tie with NU for last place at 1-6.
Men’s Volleyball
La Salle needed five sets to trounce Adamson 22-25, 25-11, 21-25, 25-18, 16-14 last January 10.
La Salle upped its card to 4-2 to place third behind Ateneo (5-1) and UST (6-1)