Proving that the accolades their players collected earlier were well-deserved, defending champion De La Salle University (DLSU) snagged game two of the UAAP women’s volleyball finals against the Ateneo de Manila University.

The Lady Spikers brought back the favor to their side in a winning fashion by finishing the game in four sets, similar to how Ateneo did on game one. Likewise, the green team ended losing the first set but rebounded back to take the remaining three sets.

During the first set, Ateneo hotly started the game with a four-point lead over La Salle. Fueled with Alyssa Valdez’s offense, Ateneo listed 19 attacks compared to La Salle’s 11. Meanwhile, DLSU made a surprise substitution, placing Carmela Garbin and Alexandra Tan on the court.

By the second set, Ramil de Jesus’ wards were up to their game with Michelle Gumabao leading the green team. Mikaela Esperanza also aided the cause on the much needed distribution of the ball. The Spikers had more attacks by the second set at 16 compared to the Eagles’ 12.

In the crucial third set, Rookie Mika Reyes stunned the blue team, who needed only one point to take the set, to overturn the game, 24-26, in favor of DLSU.

By the fourth set, the Spikers superb blocking, led by Season 74 Best Blocker Gumabao, was more emphasized. Together with the court prowess of Rookie of the Year Victorana Galang and captain Charleen Cruz, the last set play by DLSU bolstered them to best the opposing team.

Gumabao was also named Best Player for the game with 18 points, 12 attacks, 5 blocks and 1 serve.

Scores: 25-23, 21-25, 24-26 and 18-25

Photos by Ralph Samson. View the slideshow here.