By ADRIAN STEWART CO

Negrense Angel Canino delivered an all-around performance as De La Salle University (DLSU) opened its UAAP Season 88 women’s volleyball campaign with a 25-19, 25-14, 27-25 sweep of Far Eastern University (FEU) at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City on Saturday night, February 14.

Canino finished with 15 points built on 13 attacks, providing steady firepower and stability for the Lady Spikers, who improved to 1-0.

She consistently anchored La Salle’s offense, especially in key stretches that kept FEU at bay.

Shevana Laput led all scorers with 23 points on 20 attacks, two blocks and one service ace, including the match-clinching back-to-back hits in the extended third set.

Ilongga middle blocker Amie Provido also made her presence felt at the net, tallying 11 points highlighted by six blocks to frustrate the Lady Tamaraws’ attackers.

La Salle dominated the first two sets but encountered resistance in the third as FEU threatened to extend the match, even taking a 24-22 lead.

The Lady Spikers stayed composed, forcing a deuce before Laput delivered consecutive points to complete the straight-sets victory.

Gerzel Petallo paced FEU with 11 points, while Clarisse Loresco added seven as the Lady Tamaraws fell to 0-1.

In the first game, University of the Philippines (UP) repelled a late surge by University of the East (UE) to secure a 25-12, 25-9, 21-25, 25-19 win.

Irah Jaboneta and Niña Ytang scored 14 points each to lead the Fighting Maroons, while Kianne Olango and Casiey Dongallo chipped in 13 apiece.

UP dominated the opening two sets behind balanced offense and solid defense before UE stole the third.

The Fighting Maroons quickly regrouped in the fourth, with Jaboneta, Olango and Jelai Gajero delivering crucial points down the stretch to halt the Lady Warriors’ momentum.

Nessa Bangayan led UE with 19 points, while Beatrice Zamudio and IC Cepada contributed 14 and 10, respectively./ASC, WDJ