By ADRIAN STEWART CO
Negrense Angel Canino delivered another all-around performance as the De La Salle University (DLSU) Lady Spikers completed an undefeated championship run with a 25-22, 25-16, 25-16 victory over the National University (NU) Lady Bulldogs in Game 2 of the UAAP Season 88 women’s volleyball finals at the SM Mall of Asia Arena on Saturday, May 9.
Behind Canino and a relentless offensive display, the Lady Spikers captured their 13th women’s volleyball crown and finished the season with a flawless 16-0 record.
The former rookie MVP starred on both ends with 11 points, 10 excellent receptions and 10 excellent digs as DLSU dismantled the defending champions in straight sets for the second consecutive game of the series.
After a tightly contested opening frame, Canino helped steady the Lady Spikers with crucial attacks and defensive stops that allowed La Salle to gain control of the match.
The Lady Spikers eventually broke away in the third set after Canino teamed up with Shevana Laput and Eshana Nunag in a pivotal run that widened a slim lead to 19-12.
Laput later finished the match with a back-row hit to officially complete La Salle’s sweep and end the school’s three-year title drought.
Head coach Ramil de Jesus said the championship was the fulfillment of the team’s goal after falling short last season.
“Sobrang happy ako dito sa championship na ito. Ito talaga ‘yung target namin after nung Season 87 — talagang makabalik dito sa finals. Hindi ko rin ini-expect na masi-sweep namin, 16-0,” De Jesus said.
Laput, who was named the finals’ Most Valuable Player, produced a game-high 20 points built on 14 attacks and six blocks along with eight digs.
Amie Provido added nine points, while Nunag orchestrated the offense with 17 excellent sets.
Veteran libero Lyka de Leon also anchored La Salle’s floor defense with 10 excellent digs and seven excellent receptions.
NU, which entered the finals seeking a third straight championship, struggled to keep pace with DLSU’s balanced attack.
Vange Alinsug led the Lady Bulldogs with 14 points, while rookie Sam Cantada finished with eight points and eight digs.
Arah Panique was limited to seven points after a strong showing in Game 1, while graduating setter Camilla Lamina recorded 11 excellent sets in her final game for NU./ASC, WDJ