MANILA — De La Salle University stamped its dominance in UAAP Season 88 women’s volleyball, completing a perfect 14-game elimination sweep and clinching an outright Finals berth after surviving a gritty five-set battle against National University, 27-25, 15-25, 23-25, 25-23, 15-13, at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
Negrense Angel Canino delivered a standout triple-double — 15 points, 16 receptions, and 12 digs — anchoring the Lady Spikers’ resilience on their way to a 14-0 win-loss slate.
La Salle had to dig deep after falling behind two sets to one, but Canino sparked the fourth-set turnaround with steady offense and floor defense, helping the Lady Spikers erase a late deficit and force a deciding set.
The Lady Spikers’ perfect run marked their first elimination round sweep since Season 76 (2013-14) and secured the program’s 22nd Finals appearance, where they will chase a 13th championship.
Reterta led the way with 21 points, Shevana Laput finished with 16 points and nine digs, while Amie Provido added 15 points, including five blocks. Lilay Del Castillo chipped in seven points highlighted by four blocks.
Despite the loss, the Lady Bulldogs remain in the hunt for the No. 2 seed. NU, now at 9-4, can still secure a twice-to-beat advantage with a win over University of Santo Tomas on Wednesday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Evangeline Alinsug paced NU with 22 points, along with 12 receptions and nine digs, while Negrense Arah Panique had 19 points. Sam Cantada added 14 points, 24 receptions, and 11 digs, and Chams Maaya contributed 15 points.
Meanwhile, University of Santo Tomas moved to the brink of the semifinals after turning back University of the Philippines, 23-25, 25-21, 25-22, 25-19.
Bernadett Pepito finished with a double-double of 18 excellent digs and 13 excellent receptions to be named Player of the Game as UST improved to an 8-5 mark.
Angeline Poyos led the way with 25 points, 11 excellent digs, and eight excellent receptions, while Regina Jurado and Jonna Perdido added 17 and 13 points, respectively./PN
