UAAP: La Salle sweeps Ateneo to stay perfect in women’s volleyball; Blue Eagles boost Final Four bid in men’s play

De La Salle University maintained its unblemished record after sweeping Ateneo de Manila University, 25-13, 25-12, 25-18, in the UAAP Season 88 women’s volleyball tournament on Saturday at the Filoil Centre in San Juan.

The victory extended La Salle’s dominance over Ateneo, marking its 18th consecutive win against the Blue Eagles since Season 79.

Ateneo showed resistance in the third set, taking a slim 15–14 lead, but La Salle quickly regained control to close out the match in straight sets.

“’Yun nga, medyo nung third set, medyo nag-relax. Nawala sa focus ‘yung mga bata, hopefully huwag na mangyayari ‘yon sa susunod,” said La Salle deputy coach Noel Orcullo.

“‘Yon naman palagi namin pinapaalala sa kanila na laging yung focus, hindi mawala. Hangga’t maaari, tapusin kung kaya tapusin nang mabilis. Doon sa times na nawawala sa focus, at pag alam nilang lamang, nagre-relax. Kailangan lang huwag alisin yung focus sa game.”

Angel Canino led the way with 15 points and nine receptions, while Amie Provido added 12 points. Eshana Nunag orchestrated the offense with 22 excellent sets, as Shevana Laput chipped in nine points and nine digs.

For Ateneo, Ana Hermosura paced the team with 10 points and eight receptions as the already-eliminated Blue Eagles dropped to a 1-11 record.

In the men’s division, Ateneo swept La Salle, 25-22, 25-23, 25-22, to inch closer to a Final Four berth.

The Blue Eagles improved to 7-5, strengthening their hold on fourth place, while La Salle fell to 5-7.

Jian Salarzon delivered 21 points and 18 receptions for Ateneo, with Amil Pacinio Jr. and Emman Okeke contributing 13 and 12 points, respectively.

For the Green Spikers, Yoyong Mendoza scored 13 points, while Eugene Gloria added 10.

—JKC, GMA News