The La Salle University Lady Spikers completed a first-round sweep after defeating defending champion NU Lady Bulldogs in four sets, 25-21, 25-19, 19-25, 25-17, in the UAAP Season 88 women’s volleyball tournament at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
La Salle looked poised for a dominant finish in the fourth set after racing to a commanding 15-3 lead—their best start of the season. However, NU responded with a strong rally as Sam Cantada and Celine Marsh capitalized on La Salle’s errors to spark a 13-3 run, cutting the deficit to just two, 16-18.
La Salle Finishes Commanding Performance
The Lady Spikers regained their composure late in the set, with Amie Provido and Shevana Laput delivering crucial points to close out the match and preserve their unbeaten record.
“Matagal naming pinaghandaan ito, so itong first round na ito, hindi mo masasabi na ito na ‘yun kasi mahaba pa ang tournament eh. Para sa akin kasi, gulatan lang sa first round and then second round, ayun na nandoon na lahat… Doon na talaga magkikita, basahan na kasi eh,” said Lady Spikers head coach Ramil de Jesus, who was facing off with former player-turned-coach Regine Diego for the first time.
“Masuwerte lang kami kasi nakauna kami ng mga panalo.”
Stars Shine… Again
Laput led La Salle with 19 points built on 15 attacks, 3 blocks, and 1 ace, along with 8 excellent digs. Angel Canino added 14 points and 10 excellent receptions, while Provido chipped in 12 markers and 9 excellent digs.
Setter Eshana Nunag orchestrated the offense with 22 excellent sets, while libero Lyka de Leon anchored the floor defense with 12 excellent receptions and 11 excellent digs.
For NU, Cantada paced the Lady Bulldogs with 13 points and 14 excellent receptions, while Chammy Maaya finished with 10 markers.
The Lady Spikers will open the second round of eliminations against the Adamson University Lady Falcons on Saturday, March 21, at 3:00 p.m. at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. Meanwhile, the Lady Bulldogs will try to bounce back when they face the University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons on Wednesday at 3:00 p.m. at the Big Dome.
