MANILA, Philippines — De La Salle University wasted no time in asserting its dominance, sweeping three-peat-seeking National University, 25-23, 25-18, 25-18, to take Game 1 of the UAAP Season 88 women’s volleyball best-of-three championship series on Wednesday at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
Locked at 15-all in the third set, the Lady Spikers unleashed a decisive 8-0 run, with Shevana Laput, Amie Provido, and Shane Reterta combining efforts to build a commanding 23-15 lead.
Chamy Maaya briefly halted the surge for the Lady Bulldogs, while a La Salle positional error helped NU cut the deficit to 23-17. But Reterta won a crucial net joust to push La Salle to match point, 24-17.
An attack error delayed the inevitable, but Vange Alinsug’s wide hit sealed NU’s fate as La Salle closed out the match, 25-18.
Angel Canino spearheaded the Lady Spikers with 17 points built on 15 attacks, a block, and an ace, along with nine excellent digs. Reterta provided solid support with 11 points, nine digs, and 23 excellent receptions, while Provido and Laput chipped in 12 and 11 points, respectively.
“For us, there’s an advantage and a disadvantage to our rest. In a stepladder format, you get to practice playing under pressure. When you’re well-rested, you have tune-ups, but not as much pressure,” said head coach Ramil de Jesus.
“Our service was slow at the start, but we eventually adjusted and kept up with them,” he added.
Arah Panique paced National University with 18 points, while super rookie Sam Cantada saw limited action as she continues to recover from a minor injury.
