Lady Archers tame Lady Bulldogs to clinch 5th straight Finals

MANILA, Philippines -- Defending back-to-back champion De La Salle University easily gained a finals slot after routing host National University in straight sets, 25-18, 25-23, 25-18, in the Final Four of UAAP season 75 women's volleyball tournament Saturday afternoon at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The Lady Archers cruised to the championship round for the fifth straight year and are now seeking for a grandslam after winning in season 73 and 74.

"Basta kami every season pinaghahandaan namin, hindi na namin binibilang," said Ramil De Jesus, who is in his 14th year as the Lady Archers' head coach.

La Salle will face the winner between second seed Ateneo de Manila University and Adamson University, who are playing as of this writing.

"Kahit sino kalabanin namin ready kami, " said sophomore Mika Reyes who finished with 14 points, 12 from kills and two blocks. "Organize blocking yun ang strength ng team namin."

Last year's rookie of the year Ara Galang scored 15 markers for the Taft-based spikers, while skipper  Abi Maraño and Michelle Gumabao added 11 and 10 points, apiece, to stretch their winning streak to 15 games.

The Lady Archers have not lost since their season opening match last December 2.

"After that loss sinabi ko sa mga players ko na hindi na pwede masundan yun," said De Jesus who has won seven UAAP titles for the Lady Archers.

Skipper Dindin Santiago was the lone Lady Bulldog to reach in double figures with 19 points in the school's first Final Four appearance.