La Salle Dominates NU in Game 1, Inches Closer to UAAP Crown

A 16-day break didn’t slow down De La Salle University as the Lady Spikers carried their elimination-round dominance into the UAAP Season 88 Collegiate Women’s Volleyball Finals.

In Game 1 of the best-of-three series, La Salle overpowered two-time defending champion National University, winning in straight sets, 25-23, 25-18, 25-18, at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City on Wednesday. The victory puts the Lady Spikers on the verge of claiming the championship.

La Salle now aims for its first season sweep since 2004 and a 13th overall title in Game 2 on Saturday at 5 p.m., while NU looks to force a deciding Game 3.

“Mabagal ‘yung start namin, pero eventually, sa latter part ng set, naka-adjust ang team at nakasabay sa ganitong klaseng laban at nahandle ang pressure,” said La Salle head coach Ramil de Jesus.

Reflecting on their two-week break, he added, “The first week was for recovery and rehab. The following week, we focused on conditioning and tuneup games. That long break worked to our advantage because after the second round, we were really worn out, so this gave us a boost.”

La Salle overcame a 14-19 deficit in the first set with strong performances from Amie Provido, Shane Reterta, Lilay del Castillo, and Angel Canino, stealing it 25-23. The momentum carried into the second set as the Lady Spikers pulled away 25-18.

In the third set, despite starting 0-4, La Salle mounted a decisive 9-0 run that turned a 14-15 deficit into a 23-15 lead, closing the match in just 1 hour and 37 minutes. Reterta, Canino, and Provido spearheaded the surge, capitalizing on two Lady Bulldogs’ errors.

This marked La Salle’s first straight-sets victory over NU this season, after winning four sets in the first round and five in the second.

“Today, the team really stepped up. Everyone contributed no matter who was on the court. It’s one of the best things that happened in this game. We also showed that as a team, we can hold on even when trailing against NU,” said Canino, who tallied a team-high 17 points—15 spikes, one block, and one ace—along with nine digs and five receptions.

Reterta contributed 11 points and nine digs while managing heavy service pressure with a 23-of-40 reception clip. Provido added 12 points, including half in the third set, with seven attacks, four blocks, and an ace. Captain Shevana Laput chipped in 11 points, including five in the final set.

For NU, Arah Panique led with 18 points (15 attacks, three blocks), while Vange Alinsug scored 12 despite a challenging 11-of-43 spiking efficiency. Alexa Mata added three points, and presumptive Rookie of the Year Sam Cantada was limited to two points on 1-of-18 attacks and one ace.