The La Salle Lady Spikers kept their unblemished record intact after outlasting the UST Golden Tigresses, 25-12, 18-25, 25-23, 25-14, in the UAAP Season 88 Women’s Volleyball Tournament at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
La Salle turned the tide in a pivotal third set, erasing an eight-point deficit, 12-20, with a stunning 13-3 run anchored by Angel Canino, Lilay Del Castillo, and Shane Reterta.
The momentum shift was further fueled by a crucial error from UST’s bench, as the Golden Tigresses’ assistant coaches called a challenge mid-rally—a violation under the updated FIVB rules—resulting in a point for La Salle during the comeback.
La Salle Slams Door on UST
Riding that surge, the Lady Spikers carried their momentum into the fourth set, storming to an early 7-0 lead en route to sealing the match.
“During the third set, rinemind ko lang yung mga bata. Sinabi ko na dahil aggressive yung kalaban, so kailangan lang na bawat situation, ilaban natin,” said La Salle head coach Ramil de Jesus.
“Gawan ng paraan kung medyo hindi bagay sa ine-expect nila. Ilaban lang hanggang sa mapanalo yung situation—and nag-work naman. Unti-unting iginapang yung score hanggang dumating sa endgame.”
Canino led La Salle with 17 points, built on 15 attacks and two blocks, while Shevana Laput added 14 points on 11 attacks, two blocks, and one ace. Reterta delivered an all-around performance with 10 points and 15 excellent receptions.
Eshana Nunag orchestrated the offense with 20 excellent sets, while Lyka de Leon anchored the floor defense with 11 excellent digs and 10 excellent receptions.
For UST, Angge Poyos led the Golden Tigresses with 20 points and 12 excellent receptions, while Reg Jurado chipped in 12 points.
La Salle will look to secure a semifinal berth when it faces the UP Fighting Maroons on Sunday, March 29, at 11:00 a.m. at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion. Later that day, UST takes on the FEU Lady Tamaraws at 5:00 p.m.
