La Salle Completes 14-0 Sweep, Clinches Finals Spot in Thrilling Win Over NU

De La Salle University left everything on the court and earned a well-deserved spot in the Finals, capping off a flawless 14-game sweep of the UAAP Season 88 Collegiate Women’s Volleyball Tournament.

The Lady Spikers staged a remarkable fourth-set rally and held their nerve in the fifth to defeat the National University Lady Bulldogs, 27-25, 15-25, 23-25, 25-23, 15-13, on Sunday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena, thrilling a crowd of 19,419 fans.

The victory sealed La Salle's first elimination round sweep since Season 76 (2013-14) and their first-ever perfect finish in the women's eliminations since NU achieved it in Season 84 (2022). With this win, La Salle will make its 22nd Finals appearance and aim for its 13th championship.

The match ended in dramatic fashion after a contentious moment in the fifth set, where what appeared to be a 14-all tie was overturned after a La Salle challenge for a block touch. The review revealed an earlier net fault by NU’s Arah Panique, which awarded the point—and the match—to the Lady Spikers.

“At least we got the sweep. I think the girls really wanted to win that fourth set. They showed their heart and determination,” said La Salle deputy coach Noel Orcullo. "We told them to just stay patient, stick to the system, and trust each other. In the end, they kept pushing in the fifth set."

This marks La Salle’s first sweep since 2014, and it is the first time a team has gone undefeated in the women’s eliminations since NU’s championship run in Season 84.

The Lady Spikers nearly saw their undefeated run come to an end in the fourth set, with NU leading 23-21, just two points away from extending the match. However, La Salle mounted an impressive comeback. Amie Provido scored consecutive points, Mikole Reyes delivered a service ace, and Angel Canino capped the set with a through-the-block hit to force a deciding fifth set.

The fifth set was a nail-biter, with both teams trading points and never leading by more than two. At 13-all, Shevana Laput’s powerful crosscourt hit gave La Salle match point, and after a tense video review, the challenge confirmed the victory.

“I didn’t expect to have such an impact on the game, but I just wanted to help my team and contribute. I’m glad I could do that today,” said Reterta, who had a career-best performance with 21 points, 14 attacks, four aces, and three blocks, along with 18 receptions and 15 digs.

Canino also had an outstanding performance with 15 points, 16 receptions, and 12 digs, while Laput added 16 points and nine digs. Provido finished with 15 points, including five blocks, while Lilay Del Castillo chipped in with seven points and four blocks.

La Salle now awaits the winner of the stepladder semifinals, which will feature NU, Adamson University, and the final spot contested between University of Santo Tomas and Far Eastern University.

The Lady Bulldogs (9-4) still have a chance to secure the No. 2 seed and a direct path to the second stepladder phase with a win over UST on Wednesday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Alinsug led NU with 22 points, 12 receptions, and nine digs, while Arah Panique contributed 19 points, including 15 kills and four blocks. Sam Cantada chipped in 14 points, 24 receptions, and 11 digs, while Chams Maaya added 15 points, including nine attacks and five blocks.

Both setters were instrumental in their team’s offense, with La Salle’s Eshana Nunag recording 28 excellent sets and NU’s Camilla Lamina tallying 32. The liberos also shone, with La Salle’s Lyka De Leon posting 22 receptions and 15 digs, while NU’s Shaira Jardio registered 35 digs and 16 receptions.