UAAP: La Salle survives thriller, advances to Season 88 finals after dramatic finish vs NU

De La Salle University punched a direct ticket to the UAAP Season 88 women’s volleyball finals after outlasting National University in their second-round showdown, 27-25, 15-25, 23-25, 25-23, 15-13, on Sunday at the Mall of Asia Arena.

With the victory, the Lady Spikers completed a perfect 14-0 sweep of the elimination round.

La Salle also overcame a tough stand from the Lady Bulldogs — and a dramatic officiating sequence late in the match — to seal the win.

Shevana Laput gave La Salle a 13-12 edge in the deciding fifth set, but an unsuccessful floor touch challenge by the Lady Spikers allowed NU to tie the score. Laput then restored La Salle’s advantage to reach match point.

In the ensuing rally, NU appeared poised to extend the match after a four-touch call on La Salle. However, the Lady Spikers challenged for a block touch. While the challenge was deemed unsuccessful, the review revealed a net touch violation by Arah Panique. A referee’s challenge was subsequently initiated, confirming the net touch as the first infraction and awarding the point — and the victory — to La Salle.

Angel Canino delivered 15 points, 16 receptions, and 12 digs, while Shane Reterta led the charge with 21 points built on 14 attacks, four aces, and three blocks, along with 18 receptions and 15 digs.

Vange Alinsug paced NU with 22 points, 12 receptions, and nine digs. Arah Panique added 19 points and six digs, while Sam Cantada contributed 14 points, 24 receptions, and 11 digs. Shaira Jardio anchored the defense with 35 digs and 16 receptions.

This will mark La Salle's 22nd overall finals appearance, and another elimination round sweep for La Salle since Season 76 in 2014.

The last time a team swept the elimination round was in Season 84 when NU directly advanced to the finals.

NU will wrap up its elimination round campaign on Wednesday against the University of Santo Tomas.

—GMA News