National U, La Salle vie for UAAP volleyball crown in historic finals

Key facts

• The UAAP Season 88 women's volleyball tournament finals features a best-of-three series.
• Defending champion National University (NU) faces La Salle in Game 1 on Wednesday at 5 p.m.
• NU is aiming for a historic three-peat.
• La Salle swept the elimination round.
• Regine Diego is the first woman to coach in a UAAP women's volleyball finals since 2005.
• Diego previously played under La Salle coach Ramil de Jesus.
• Angel Canino is a key player for La Salle, having won Rookie-MVP in 2023.

Dynasty and Destiny Collide in UAAP Finals

The Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay is set to host a highly anticipated clash as the UAAP Season 88 women's volleyball tournament culminates in a best-of-three finals series. Defending champions National University (NU) Lady Bulldogs are on the cusp of a historic three-peat, a feat that would cement their dynasty. Standing in their way is the formidable La Salle Lady Spikers, a team that swept the elimination round and is determined to reclaim the championship. The stage is set for a compelling narrative, pitting a team chasing unprecedented history against another driven by a singular focus on redemption and a return to glory. The air crackles with the weight of expectation, as both squads prepare for what promises to be an intense battle for collegiate volleyball supremacy.

La Salle's Pursuit of Unblemished Glory

For La Salle, the championship is the only acceptable outcome. Having navigated the elimination round with an unblemished record, the Lady Spikers see a title as the rightful reward for their season-long efforts. However, the specter of past failures looms, a cautionary tale from 12 years prior. Assistant coach Noel Orcullo recalled a devastating loss in the finals where La Salle, despite holding a thrice-to-beat advantage, was defeated by Alyssa Valdez and Ateneo. "We don’t want a repeat of that nightmare, obviously," Orcullo stated, emphasizing the team's resolve to avoid a similar fate. Their focus remains steadfast: to win the championship, a goal that has guided them since the season's inception.

Rookie Coach Navigates Pressure and Prejudice

National University enters the finals not only chasing history but also seeking validation for a new era. The departure of key players Bella Belen and Alyssa Solomon has placed immense pressure on rookie head coach Regine Diego. Her journey to the finals has been fraught with challenges, amplified by her status as one of only two female head coaches in the league. Diego, who once played under La Salle's veteran coach Ramil de Jesus, acknowledged the unique difficulties she has faced. "Sometimes I feel like, this is just for me ah, sometimes I feel like we are not ready for a woman coach here in the country," she admitted. Yet, with unwavering support from her players, management, and the NU community, she has steered the Lady Bulldogs back to the championship stage, aiming to become the first woman coach to win it all.

A Mentor's Legacy and a Protégé's Ambition

The finals series presents a full-circle moment for Regine Diego, who now faces her former mentor, Ramil de Jesus. De Jesus, a long-time architect of La Salle's success, once guided Diego during her playing days. Now, he stands as the final hurdle in her quest for a historic championship. "I just hope that I can out-discipline coach Ramil, who is all about discipline," Diego said, expressing a deep respect for her former coach while signaling her intent to match his strategic prowess. She views this championship match as a significant test, not only of her coaching abilities but also of her capacity to emulate the discipline and success that de Jesus embodies. "This is going to be very difficult, because there is no such thing as an easy Finals."

Key Players and Strategic Lineups

La Salle's success has been anchored by Angel Canino, the Rookie-MVP from their last championship in 2023, who is expected to be a central figure on both offense and defense. Coach Ramil de Jesus has cultivated a strong supporting cast that has significantly improved throughout the season, providing depth and versatility. On the National University side, Vange Alinsug and Lams Lamina will be instrumental in their game plan. The emergence of rookie Sam Cantada is also anticipated to provide a crucial offensive spark, offering another potent weapon for the Lady Bulldogs as they aim to complete their historic three-peat.

The bottom line

• National University aims for a historic third consecutive UAAP women's volleyball championship.
• La Salle, after sweeping the elimination round, seeks to prevent NU's three-peat and reclaim the title.
• Rookie coach Regine Diego is the first woman to coach in the UAAP finals since 2005 and aims to be the first champion.
• The finals pit Diego against her former mentor, La Salle's veteran coach Ramil de Jesus.
• Both teams feature key players like La Salle's Angel Canino and NU's Vange Alinsug and Lams Lamina.
• The championship series begins on Wednesday, May 15, 2024, at the Mall of Asia Arena.