The La Salle Lady Spikers wasted no time shaking off a long layoff, overpowering the NU Lady Bulldogs, 25-23, 25-18, 25-18, in Game 1 of the Finals of the UAAP Season 88 Women’s Volleyball Tournament on Wednesday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
Despite a 16-day break after sweeping the eliminations, the Lady Spikers looked sharp from the opening whistle and moved one victory away from securing their 13th championship—and their first season sweep since 2004.
La Salle Seizes Control
After trailing 14-19 in the opening set, the Lady Spikers responded behind Amie Provido, Shane Reterta, Lilay Del Castillo, and Angel Canino to steal the frame before completely taking control of the match.
“Mabagal ‘yung start namin and eventually nung latter part na ng set, naka-adjust na ‘yung team at nakasabay na sa ganong klaseng labanan at na-handle ang pressure,” said head coach Ramil de Jesus.
“Nung first week (of waiting) namin actually recovery at rehab kami then the following week medyo nag-adjust na kami, kaunting conditioning at tuneup games. Ganon kahaba at least maganda para sa amin kasi nung natapos ang second round bugbog kami sa laro eh, kinailangan ng team ‘yun at naging advantage namin siguro ‘yun,” he added.
Old Reliables Show Out for Lady Archers
Canino led La Salle with 17 points, while Reterta added 11 points and 23 receptions. Provido contributed 12 points, including 6 in the third set, while team captain Shevana Laput chipped in 11 markers.
Eshana Nunag orchestrated the offense with 19 excellent sets, while liberos Francesca Rodriguez and Lyka De Leon combined for 10 excellent digs and 6 excellent receptions.
On the other side, Arah Panique paced NU with 18 points, while Vange Alinsug added 12.
However, La Salle’s defense limited the rest of the Lady Bulldogs’ offense, holding Sam Cantada to just 2 points.
The Lady Spikers will try to complete their season sweep in Game 2 of the Finals on Saturday, May 9, at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
