UAAP: La Salle sweeps NU, inches closer to women's volleyball crown

De La Salle University defeated National University, 25-23, 25-18, 25-18, in Game 1 of the UAAP Season 88 women’s volleyball finals on Wednesday at the Mall of Asia Arena.

Aside from moving one win away from the title, the victory marked La Salle’s 15th consecutive win this season.

NU came out strong in the opening set, but the Lady Spikers settled in and found their rhythm eventually to take the frame. Riding that momentum, the Taft-based squad delivered a more dominant showing in the second set, putting the Lady Bulldogs on the back foot.

NU threatened to extend the match in the third set, racing to a 4-0 lead before Amie Provido put La Salle on the board. The Lady Spikers steadily clawed back and eventually tied the set at 15-all.

A net touch violation by NU sparked a decisive 8-0 run for La Salle, with Angel Canino and Provido leading the charge. Chammy Maaya halted the rally, while a positional error on La Salle trimmed the NU deficit to within six, 23-17.

Shane Reterta later brought La Salle to match point, though a service error by Eshana Nunag briefly delayed the finish. Ultimately, an attack error by NU, followed by an unsuccessful block touch challenge, sealed the straight-sets victory for the Lady Spikers.

“Mabagal ‘yung start namin and eventually nung latter part na ng set, naka-adjust na ‘yung team at nakasabay na sa ganong klaseng labanan at na-handle ang pressure,” said La Salle head coach Ramil de Jesus.

“Nung first week namin, recovery at rehab muna. Then the following week, nag-adjust na kami—kaunting conditioning at tune-up games. Mahaba ‘yung pahinga, pero maganda para sa amin kasi nung natapos ang second round, bugbog ang team. Kinailangan namin ‘yun at naging advantage namin siguro,” he added.

Canino had 17 points, nine digs, and five receptions to lead the Lady Spikers, while Provido had 12 points. Laput and Reterta also added 11 points apiece as Nunag made 19 excellent sets.

Arah Panique then led NU with 18 points, while Vange Alinsug had 12 points. Lams Lamina, meanwhile, had 14 points.

—GMA News