By ADRIAN STEWART CO

The De La Salle University (DLSU) Lady Spikers moved within one win of reclaiming the UAAP women’s volleyball crown after overpowering the National University (NU) Lady Bulldogs, 25-23, 25-18, 25-18, in Game 1 of the Season 88 finals at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City on Wednesday, May 6.

Negrense Angel Canino spearheaded the offense with 17 points, on 15 attacks, one block and a service ace, to go with nine excellent digs and five excellent receptions, as the Lady Spikers did not show any rust despite coming off a 16-day layoff.

Mary Shane Reterta added 11 points, 23 excellent receptions and nine excellent digs, while Amie Provido and Shevana Laput contributed 12 and 11 points, respectively, for DLSU.

La Salle now eyes its 13th women’s volleyball title when the series resumes on Saturday, May 9 at 5:00 p.m. at the same venue.

Defending champions NU, meanwhile, will try to extend the finals to a deciding Game 3.

The Taft-based squad overcame an early challenge in the opening set after trailing, 14-19.

Provido, Reterta, Lilay del Castillo, and Canino sparked a late surge that allowed the Lady Spikers to steal the set, 25-23.

With momentum on their side, the Lady Spikers controlled the second set to secure a 25-18 victory before pulling away for good in the third.

Arah Panique top-scored for the Lady Bulldogs with 18 points, while Evangeline Alinsug added 11 markers in the loss./ASC, WDJ