The De La Salle Lady Spikers. UAAP MediaMANILA, Philippines (UPDATED) – De La Salle University has tightened its hold of the second spot after sweeping hapless University of the East, 25-22, 25-13, 25-23, in the UAAP Season 87 women's volleyball tournament on Saturday at the Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.

The Lady Spikers have clinched their eighth victory, inching closer to the league-leading National University which is currently at 9-1.

For their part, also ran Lady Red Warriors remained winless in 11 matches.

Before bowing out, the UE side also put on a fight late in Set 3, as Khy Cepada made it a 24-23 ballgame just when Angel Canino put La Salle on match point with her attack.

After a long rally which featured both teams' dependable floor defenses, it was Shevana Laput who dealt the killing blow as she found the line, closing out the match that lasted one hour and 33 minutes.

"Sobrang importante po [ng panalo] kasi ang pinaglalabanan po talaga ngayon is mag-number two at yung twice-to-beat advantage para makapunta du’n sa Final Four," said deputy coach Kerth Melliza, who went to the postgame press conference for coach Ramil de Jesus.

READ: UAAP: La Salle stops Ateneo streak, bolsters bid for semis bonus

Canino, a usual suspect for the Lady Spikers, top-scored with 16 points on 12 attacks, three blocks, and a service ace to go with six receptions and four digs.

Laput also showed up, listing 14 points built on 11 attacks, two aces, and one block. Jill Santos delivered valuable contributions as she collected six attack points on 15 attempts including four digs and four receptions.

Santos expressed delight in seeing action today, saying that this will help her "get into my groove."

"I’m very grateful for the opportunity to compete alongside my teammates on the court today," said Santos, who's had another chance in the UAAP.

"I think this is a good starting point for me, getting into my groove, adapting better to coach Ramil’s system. It’s always great to play alongside my teammates," she went on.

READ: UAAP: UST tries to gain edge in Final 4 race; La Salle out to boost hopes for semis bonus

Van Bangayan led the scoring for the Lady Red Warriors with 13 points, while Cepada concluded the game with 11 markers.

For their part, also ran Lady Red Warriors remained winless in 11 matches.