La Salle Moves Closer to Elimination Round Sweep After Dominant Victory Over UE

De La Salle University took a significant step toward securing a spot in the UAAP Season 88 Collegiate Women’s Volleyball Finals, cruising past the University of the East, 25-20, 25-18, 25-15, on Wednesday afternoon at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion in Manila.

The Lady Spikers extended their unbeaten streak to 13-0, inching closer to their first elimination-round sweep since Season 76 (2014). If they achieve this feat, it would earn them an outright Finals berth and trigger a stepladder format.

La Salle will aim to complete the sweep in their final elimination-round match against defending champion National University this Sunday, April 19, at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay. In their first-round meeting on March 15, La Salle defeated NU 25-21, 25-19, 19-25, 25-17 at the same venue.

The Lady Spikers also utilized substitutes Mikee Santos, Ella de Guzman, and Mikole Reyes, all of whom contributed effectively during the straight-set victory.

“There will always be pressure on us. Of course, we know we need to win, but coach always reminds us that it’s just about the score and the numbers. What’s important is to stay focused on what’s in front of us, which is NU right now, and take it one game at a time. We hope to continue showing good performances against NU,” said La Salle assistant coach Gian de Jesus.

In the third set, the Lady Spikers broke a 4-4 tie with a dominant 15-9 lead, highlighted by three consecutive attacks from second-year outside hitter Shane Reterta. From there, La Salle stayed in control, closing out the match with an Angel Canino attack, a Kristine Iquio error, a crosscourt hit from Santos, and a down-the-line strike from De Guzman, wrapping up the win in just 78 minutes.

The second set was more competitive, but La Salle eventually pulled away with consecutive blocks from Lilay del Castillo, a Canino backrow hit, and a quick attack from Amie Provido.

“That’s what the coaches have instilled in us—focus on one game at a time. We don’t dwell on our 13-0 record. We focus on how we perform and staying disciplined with the system we’ve been taught,” said Laput, who contributed 12 points, including 10 kills, one block, and one ace, along with four excellent digs.

Canino added 12 points, alongside 10 excellent digs and seven excellent receptions. Del Castillo chipped in with nine points, including five blocks and four attacks. Provido finished with eight points from six attacks and two blocks.

Reterta posted an all-around stat line with five points, seven excellent digs, and seven excellent receptions, while Santos contributed another five points.

Meanwhile, the Lady Warriors of UE remained winless through 13 games, extending their losing streak to 27 consecutive matches and edging closer to a second straight winless season in UAAP women’s volleyball.

Khy Cepada led UE with 13 points, including 10 attacks, two aces, and one block, while adding 10 excellent receptions and four excellent digs. Bangayan also contributed 10 points, including eight attacks and two aces, with six excellent digs.

Angge Reyes provided 10 excellent digs and eight excellent receptions.

The Lady Warriors will look to break their losing streak when they face Ateneo de Manila University on Saturday, April 18, at the UST venue.

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