DE LA SALLE University braces for a tough match-up against Adamson University as it looks to move closer to completing a first-round sweep in the UAAP Season 88 collegiate women’s volleyball tournament on Wednesday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
Gunning for a sixth straight win in the 1 p.m. showdown with the Lady Falcons, the Lady Spikers are focusing on fundamentals, as coach Ramil de Jesus’ trusted assistant Noel Orcullo lamented the team’s performance in the last two matches.
After yielding a set for the first time this season against archrival Ateneo, La Salle bounced back with a 25-15, 25-20, 25-19 straight-set romp over University of the East last Saturday, marking the return of Shevana Laput after a two-match absence. However, the Taft-based side occasionally struggled within its system—a concern they cannot afford when they face defending champion National University in a Finals rematch on Sunday.
Adamson, currently tied with University of the Philippines in fourth place at 3-2, is looking strong to return to the Final Four for the first time since finishing third in Season 85 (2023).
Angel Canino, the league’s second-best attacker behind Laput, noted that the Lady Spikers cannot take the Lady Falcons lightly, as Adamson has multiple weapons—not just her Alas teammate Shai Nitura.
“Of course, Adamson won’t give up easily. They’re a strong opponent too. You can see they’re tough. Even if they’re not leading in that set, you can tell they really want to win,” Canino said.
Among the Lady Falcons to watch is rookie Joy Aseo. Making her first start this season, Aseo teamed up with Nitura and Mordi in Adamson’s third-set masterclass, leading to a 27-25, 25-22, 25-12 dismantling of University of Santo Tomas last Saturday.
Coach JP Yude emphasized the need for focus as his Lady Falcons aim to close the first round on a high note.
Nitura, the No. 1 scorer in her historic rookie season last year, who remains on top this season with 101 points, echoed Yude’s sentiments.
“I think we’ll focus on our side, which is back to training, and focus on what we can do to slow them down,” Nitura said.
The Fighting Maroons and Tigresses hope to get back on the winning track in their 3 p.m. clash. Casiey Dongallo remains doubtful after sustaining an apparent left knee injury during the first set of UP’s 13-25, 21-25, 16-25 loss to Far Eastern University last Sunday.
Enduring its worst five-match start since opening the season at 2-3 in Season 80 (2018)—the last year UST missed the Final Four—coach Shaq delos Santos is seeking ways to help his Tigresses bounce back from last Saturday’s straight-set defeat to Adamson.