La Salle Lady Spikers Sweep NU in UAAP Season 88 Volleyball Finals Game 1

Key facts

• De La Salle University defeated National University in straight sets: 25-23, 25-18, 25-18.
• The victory marks La Salle's 15th consecutive win this season.
• Angel Canino led La Salle with 17 points, nine digs, and five receptions.
• Amie Provido contributed 12 points, including four kill blocks.
• Arah Panique scored 18 points for National University.
• Vange Alinsug added 12 points for NU.
• The UAAP Season 88 women's volleyball finals Game 2 is scheduled for Saturday.

Lady Spikers Take Commanding Lead in Finals Series

The De La Salle Lady Spikers stand on the precipice of a championship redemption and a flawless season after securing a decisive Game 1 victory over the National University Lady Bulldogs. The Taft-based squad, already enjoying an unbeaten streak, moved one step closer to clinching the UAAP Season 88 women's volleyball title with a straight-sets triumph on Wednesday at the Mall of Asia Arena. This win extends their remarkable winning streak to 15 games, underscoring their dominance throughout the tournament. The first game of the finals series saw La Salle overcome an initial deficit to sweep NU with set scores of 25-23, 25-18, and 25-18. The victory sets the stage for a potential coronation on Saturday, where they will aim to complete a perfect campaign and secure their 13th championship.

A Slow Start, Then a Dominant Surge

Despite the eventual sweep, La Salle showed signs of rust early in the match, a consequence of a 17-day layoff following their 14-game elimination round sweep. National University capitalized on this, building a significant 19-14 lead in the opening set, powered by the efforts of Vange Alinsug and Arah Panique. However, the Lady Spikers, spurred by Shane Reterta, ignited a crucial 6-0 rally to snatch a 20-19 advantage. The first set remained a tight contest, with NU forcing ties and threatening to disrupt La Salle's rhythm. Yet, key plays from Angel Canino and a subsequent attack error by NU's Sam Cantada brought La Salle to set point. While NU managed to save one point, Amie Provido closed out the frame with a quick attack, setting the tone for the remainder of the match. La Salle carried this momentum into the second set, establishing a commanding lead before Canino secured the set, giving them a 2-0 advantage.

Navigating Pressure and Maintaining Intensity

The third set presented another challenge as NU surged to an early 4-0 lead, attempting to extend the match. Amie Provido eventually put La Salle on the board, and the team steadily worked their way back, leveling the score at 15-all. A net touch violation by NU proved pivotal, triggering a decisive 8-0 run for La Salle, spearheaded by Angel Canino and Provido. Although Chammy Maaya managed to halt the rally and a subsequent positional error by La Salle narrowed the deficit, the Lady Spikers were in control. Shane Reterta brought La Salle to match point, and despite a brief delay due to a service error, an attack error by NU and a failed block touch challenge sealed the victory. La Salle coach Ramil De Jesus acknowledged the challenge of the stepladder format, noting the advantage of opponents being battle-tested while his team rested. He emphasized the need to match intensity, a task his players ultimately accomplished after an initial slow start.

Key Performers Shine for Both Sides

Angel Canino was the standout performer for La Salle, amassing 17 points from 15 successful attacks out of 34 attempts, complemented by nine digs and five excellent receptions. Amie Provido was also instrumental, contributing 12 points, including four crucial kill blocks. Captain Shevana Laput added 11 points, despite a 10-of-33 spiking clip, while Shane Reterta also chipped in with 11 points, alongside 23 receptions and nine digs. Eshana Nunag provided 19 excellent sets. For National University, Arah Panique led the scoring with 18 points, while Vange Alinsug supported with 12 points. Rookie Sam Cantada faced a challenging finals debut, managing only two points from a 1-of-18 attacking clip.

Looking Ahead to Game 2

With a comfortable lead, La Salle now prepares for Game 2 on Saturday, where they will aim to complete their quest for a perfect season and the championship trophy. The Lady Spikers' ability to overcome early struggles and maintain composure under pressure has been a hallmark of their successful campaign. National University, having been swept in the first game, faces an uphill battle to force a deciding Game 3. They will need to find a way to disrupt La Salle's momentum and exploit any lingering rust or vulnerabilities. The experience of reaching the finals last year, where they swept La Salle, provides a historical precedent for a potential comeback, though the current undefeated status of their opponents presents a formidable obstacle.

The bottom line

• De La Salle University secured a dominant 3-0 victory over National University in Game 1 of the UAAP Season 88 women's volleyball finals.
• The win extends La Salle's perfect season to 15 consecutive victories.
• Angel Canino led the Lady Spikers with 17 points, while Amie Provido added 12 points.
• National University's Arah Panique was the top scorer for her team with 18 points.
• La Salle needs just one more win in Game 2 on Saturday to clinch the championship.
• The Lady Spikers are aiming for their 13th UAAP women's volleyball title and a flawless season.