MANILA — De La Salle University flexed its championship poise and firepower as it dismantled University of Santo Tomas in straight sets, 25-14, 25-15, 26-24, to remain unbeaten in the UAAP Season 88 women’s volleyball tournament at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City. With the victory, the Lady Spikers improved to 2-0, showcasing early dominance and composure under pressure — particularly in a tense third set where UST threatened to extend the match.
Shevana Laput once again proved to be La Salle’s offensive engine, exploding for 22 points built on 17 attacks, four blocks, and one service ace. Angel Canino provided solid support with 13 points, including nine attacks, three blocks, and one ace, while rookie setter Eshana Rose Nunag orchestrated the offense with 16 excellent sets and chipped in three points.
La Salle overwhelmed UST in the first two frames behind a balanced attack and airtight net defense, holding the Golden Tigresses to just 29 combined points in those sets.
But UST showed fight in the third set, erasing a 10-14 deficit and eventually knotting the score at 24-all, putting La Salle’s sweep bid in jeopardy. The Lady Spikers, however, leaned on their experience and delivered the crucial finishing blows to seal the match in straight sets.
Angeline Poyos was the lone bright spot for UST with 16 points as the Golden Tigresses slipped to 0-2 — their worst start since Season 79 in 2017.
In the other women’s matchup, University of the Philippines staged a stunning reverse sweep to outlast Ateneo de Manila University, 17-25, 19-25, 25-22, 25-23, 16-14, and stay unbeaten at 2-0.
The Fighting Maroons displayed grit and resilience after dropping the first two sets, responding with steady offense and timely defensive stands to snatch the five-set thriller.
Niña Ytang led UP with 15 points coming from 11 attacks, three blocks, and one ace. Irah Jaboneta added 14 points along with eight excellent digs and seven excellent receptions, while Fina Ali and Casiey Dongallo chipped in 13 markers apiece. Ali delivered a crucial hit late in the deciding fifth set to complete the comeback.
Jennifer delos Santos carried Ateneo with 21 points as the Blue Eagles dropped to 0-2. Ana Hermosura added 19 points, while Dona Mae de Leon and Zey Pacia finished with 15 and 14 points, respectively./PN
