MANILA — De La Salle University stamped its dominance on the UAAP Season 88 women’s volleyball tournament after completing a flawless 16-0 campaign and sweeping defending champion National University, 25-22, 25-16, 25-16, in Game 2 of the Finals on Saturday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
The Lady Spikers captured their 13th UAAP women’s volleyball crown and ended a three-season title drought in emphatic fashion before 22,509 fans, becoming the first team since NU in Season 84 to finish the tournament undefeated.
La Salle also joined the Season 77 Ateneo squad as the only teams to achieve a perfect season under the league’s current format.
“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 head coach Ramil de Jesus.
The Lady Spikers seized full control midway through the third set as Shevana Laput, Angel Canino, and Eshana Nunag sparked a decisive run that widened a slim advantage into a commanding lead.
Laput delivered the finishing blow with a back-row attack to complete the championship-clinching victory in one hour and 30 minutes. She later secured Finals Most Valuable Player honors after tallying 20 points built on 14 attacks and six blocks, along with eight digs.
“Based on the last game, we knew NU was gonna come in more motivated to take this win. Because of that, we also had to come in more motivated to win the championship. I believe that’s what we did,” Laput said.
Canino contributed 11 points, 10 excellent receptions, and 10 excellent digs, while Amie Provido chipped in nine points.
Nunag orchestrated the offense with 17 excellent sets, Shane Reterta added eight points, while veteran libero Lyka De Leon anchored the defense with 10 excellent digs and seven excellent receptions.
NU, which dominated the tournament the past two seasons, settled for runner-up honors in its first campaign following the departures of Bella Belen and Alyssa Solomon.
Team captain Vange Alinsug led the Lady Bulldogs with 14 points, while rookie Sam Cantada produced eight points and eight digs. Arah Panique was limited to seven points after scoring 18 markers in Game 1./PN
