By ADRIAN STEWART CO
The De La Salle University (DLSU) Lady Spikers completed a 14-game sweep of the elimination round and clinched an outright finals berth in the UAAP Season 88 women’s volleyball finals after outlasting the National University (NU) Lady Bulldogs, 27-25, 15-25, 23-25, 25-23, 15-13, at the SM Mall of Asia Arena on Sunday, April 19.
Negrense Angel Canino delivered a standout triple-double — 15 points, 16 receptions and 12 digs — anchoring the Lady Spikers’ resilience on their way to a 14-0 win-loss slate.
DLSU had to dig deep after falling behind two sets to one, but Canino sparked the fourth-set turnaround with steady offense and floor defense, helping the Lady Spikers erase a late deficit and force a deciding set.
“At least nakuha namin, na-sweep namin. ‘Yung nangyari nung fourth set siguro talagang ginusto ng mga bata na manalo. Ever since, lamang ang NU nung fourth set eh, talagang kinapitan. ‘Yung puso nandoon, talagang ginustong-gusto talaga nila manalo,” La Salle deputy coach Noel Orcullo said.
“Mahirap itong pagdadaanan natin na sweep, kailangan lang talaga natin magtiyaga. Tiyagain lang natin bawat puntos. Huwag tayo maiinip. Gawin lang natin kung ano ‘yung sistema na tini-training natin. At least kahit papaano nung fifth set, kinapitan pa rin, talagang ‘yung puso nandoon,” he added.
The Lady Spikers’ perfect run marked their first elimination round sweep since Season 76 (2013-2014) and secured the program’s 22nd finals appearance, where they will chase a 13th championship.
Reterta led the way with 21 points. Shevana Laput finished with 16 points and nine digs, while Amie Provido added 15 points, including five blocks. Lilay del Castillo chipped in seven points, highlighted by four blocks.
Despite the loss, the Lady Bulldogs remain in the hunt for the No. 2 seed.
NU, now at 9-4, can still secure a twice-to-beat advantage with a win over University of Santo Tomas at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Wednesday, April 22.
Evangeline Alinsug paced NU with 22 points, along with 12 receptions and nine digs, while Negrense Arah Panique had 19 points.
Sam Cantada added 14 points, 24 receptions and 11 digs, and Chams Maaya contributed 15 points./ASC, WDJ