MANILA, Philippines – The league-leading De La Salle University Lady Spikers and Ateneo de Manila Lady Eagles posted straight sets victories against their respective foes Wednesday afternoon at The Arena in San Juan.

The still undefeated Lady Spikers trounced the National University (NU) Lady Bulldogs, 25-16, 25-11 and 25-18, while Ateneo sent the University of the Philippines (UP) Lady Maroons to their 13th straight loss, 25-8, 25-23, and 25-18.

La Salle is now at 13-0, while Ateneo is at 11-2.

La Salle overcame a poor start that saw them go down 1-7 in the first set and systematically hammered the Lady Bulldogs to remain perfect this season.

Abigail Maraño had 15 points for La Salle on 11 attacks, two blocks and two serves.

The Lady Bulldogs had their chances especially in the first and third sets, but were never able to overcome the stifling La Salle net defense that sent back most of their attacks. NU dropped to 1-12 this season.

Meanwhile the Lady Eagles started off hot in the first set, capitalizing on poor floor defense from UP to win 25-8.

But the Lady Maroons nearly won the second set after coach Roger Goraybe sent in his second stringers, and Angeli Araneta and Southlyn Ramos took advantage as they led UP to a 22-20 lead late in the set.

The deficit prompted Gorayeb to send back his starters, and Ateneo team captain Fille Cainglet and rookie Alyssa Valdez responded, leading the Lady Eagles to victory.

“We were not overconfident,” Cainglet said. “Sinundan lang namin yung payo ni coach na hindi dahil UP ang kalaban, mage-enjoy na lang kami.”

“’Yung enjoyment na may magagawa kaming productive. Tuloy pa rin ang laro namin,” she added

Cainglet finished with 13 points, all on attacks, while Dzi Gervacio added 12 points.

Ateneo and La Salle will face off on the last day of the eliminations this Sunday at The Arena in San Juan.

“Ahead of time, talagang pinag-hahandaan namin, yung focus namin nandun na hinahanda namin yung sarili namin, na kailangan naming ipanalo ang game namin against Ateneo,” Maraño said.

A win by the Lady Spikers will give them a historic sweep and and outright Finals berth with a thrice-to-beat advantage, and the three other semi-finalists will face off in a step ladder format.