By JONAS TERRADO (www.mb.com.ph)
De La Salle University regained a share of top spot in the team standings after an easy 25-17, 25-17, 25-19 drubbing of University of the East in the 71st UAAP women’s volleyball tournament at The Arena in San Juan.
Stephanie Mercado led the Lady Archers with 12 points, 11 off attacks, as she was instrumental in handing the Red Skirts (2-7) their sixth straight defeat.
With the win, La Salle tied defending champion Far Eastern University for first with an 8-1 record and needs just two wins to gain a spot in the Final Four for the first time since winning the championship in 2005.
Meanwhile, La Salle took solo second after a 20-25, 25-21, 25-15, 22-25, 15-12, thriller over skidding Ateneo de Manila in men’s volleyball action.
Chris Macasaet registered 31 points, the second highest output of the season, with team captain Justin Marchadesch and Emmanuel Boquiren adding 17 and 11 points, apiece as La Salle improved to 7-3, trailing defending champion University of Santo Tomas (8-0) for the lead.
The Blue Eagles lost their fourth straight, dropping to fourth place at 6-4. Timothy James Sto Tomas led the Loyola-based spikers with 17 points.
In the other game, University of the Philippines climbed to third place after a 25-21, 25-18, 25-18 win over winless National University.
Jan Paolo Martinez and Lloyd Arden Belgado scored 11 points apiece to lead the Maroons to their fourth straight victory for a 6-3 card.
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