The La Salle Lady Spikers completed a dominant 16-0 campaign after dethroning the NU Lady Bulldogs, 25-22, 25-16, 25-16, in Game 2 of the UAAP Season 88 Women’s Volleyball Finals at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
With the victory, the Lady Spikers ended a three-year title drought and secured their 13th championship overall, while also becoming the first team since NU in Season 84 to finish the tournament undefeated.
“Sobrang happy ako dito sa championship na ito. Ito talaga ‘yung target namin after nung Season 87, talagang makabalik dito sa Finals. Hindi ko rin ini-expect na masi-sweep namin 16-0. Proud ako sa mga players ko, and sa coaching staff,” said Lady Spikers head coach Ramil de Jesus.
La Salle Dominates NU
After taking Game 1 in straight sets, La Salle carried the same intensity into the clincher and never allowed NU to gain momentum.
Holding a slim 13-10 lead in the third set, the Lady Spikers broke the match wide open behind a decisive 6-2 run powered by Shevana Laput, Eshana Nunag, and Angel Canino to build a commanding 19-12 advantage.
Laput eventually delivered the championship-clinching back-row hit to complete the sweep in 1 hour and 30 minutes.
Shevana Laput Leads the Way
La Salle’s captain erupted for 20 points and 6 blocks to nab Finals MVP honors, while Canino added 11 points, 10 excellent receptions, and 10 excellent digs. Amie Provido chipped in 9 points, while Shane Reterta and Lilay Del Castillo contributed 8 points apiece.
Nunag orchestrated the offense with 17 excellent sets, while Lyka De Leon anchored the defense with 10 excellent digs and 7 excellent receptions.
On the other hand, the Lady Bulldogs failed to defend their title, settling for runner-up honors after winning the last two championships.
Vange Alinsug paced NU with 14 points, while rookie Sam Cantada added 8 points and 8 digs.
Arah Panique was limited to 7 points, while veteran setter Camilla Lamina played her final game in a Lady Bulldogs uniform—finishing the match with 11 excellent sets.
