The De La Salle University Lady Spikers completed an undefeated regular season in the UAAP Season 88 Women’s Volleyball tournament, triumphing over the National University Lady Bulldogs in a five-set thriller with scores of 27-25, 15-25, 23-25, 25-23, 15-13. This monumental victory, achieved before a fervent crowd exceeding 19,000 at the Mall of Asia Arena, not only propels the Taft-based squad directly to the championship round for the second consecutive year but also spares them the demanding gauntlet of the stepladder semifinals.
La Salle’s perfect sweep is more than a mere statistical achievement; it is a declaration of dominance that reshapes the path to the championship. By bypassing the stepladder, the Lady Spikers earn invaluable time for rest, strategic refinement, and further skill development, while their potential opponents must navigate a physically and mentally taxing series of knockout matches for the other coveted finals spot. For National University, the loss, though hard-fought, means a more arduous journey awaits, yet their performance underscored their persistent threat in the league.
The decisive fifth set encapsulated the high stakes and fierce competition that defined the entire match. It was a tense, seesaw battle where both teams traded powerful blows, each point carrying the weight of championship aspirations. As the set neared its conclusion, with La Salle clutching a precarious 14-13 lead, a controversial sequence unfolded that ultimately sealed their victory and the undefeated season.
Initially, the Lady Spikers were whistled for a four-touch violation, a call that would have leveled the score at 14-all and extended the nerve-wracking decider, plunging the arena into further suspense. However, La Salle’s seasoned mentor, head coach Ramil De Jesus, swiftly challenged the ruling, contending there had been a block touch by the National University players prior to his team’s alleged infraction.
While the video review failed to confirm De Jesus’s initial assertion of a block touch, the officials, upon further scrutiny of the replay, identified a different critical infraction. They determined that NU’s Arah Panique had committed a net violation, touching the net before La Salle’s alleged fourth touch could occur. This finding became the pivotal point of the match.
UAAP volleyball commissioner Mike Verano later clarified the sequence of events, affirming the officiating crew’s decision. He emphasized that the net touch by Panique was deemed the first infraction in the play, preceding the four-touch violation. Consequently, the net violation was prioritized according to rules, awarding the crucial final point and the match to the Lady Spikers. The dramatic conclusion elicited a mix of unbridled elation from the La Salle faithful and understandable frustration from the NU side, but the outcome stood: a perfect regular season for the green-and-white.
La Salle’s victory was a testament to their collective strength, mental fortitude, and individual brilliance throughout the marathon match. Veteran Shane Reterta led the charge with an outstanding all-around performance, tallying 21 points, complemented by 18 excellent receptions and 15 digs. Shevana Laput was equally instrumental, contributing 16 markers, while the dynamic duo of Angel Canino and Amie Provido each added 15 points, showcasing their offensive prowess and clutch playmaking when it mattered most, particularly in their recovery from a 21-23 deficit in the pivotal fourth set.
Deputy coach Noel Orcullo highlighted the team’s inherent drive, stating that their passion to win was palpable throughout the challenging contest. Amie Provido echoed this sentiment, noting the team's refusal to give up until the very end, while also acknowledging the daunting path ahead, as the challenge in the finals would only grow tougher.
For the National University Lady Bulldogs, led by Vange Alinsug’s impressive 22 points and Arah Panique’s 19 markers, the loss was a bitter pill to swallow. Despite their valiant effort in pushing the undefeated La Salle to its absolute limits, their path to the championship now necessitates navigating the more arduous route through the stepladder semifinals. Their performance, however, demonstrated their championship pedigree and resilience, ensuring that they remain a formidable force and a strong contender for the other finals slot.
The comprehensive sweep by the Lady Spikers transcends a mere statistical footnote; it signifies a consistent level of excellence demonstrated throughout the tournament, overcoming every challenge posed by their rivals. This remarkable feat solidifies their position as the undeniable team to beat in the upcoming UAAP Season 88 Women's Volleyball Finals. Their direct entry into the championship round provides them with invaluable time to rest, strategize, and further hone their skills, affording them a distinct advantage while their potential opponents endure the physical and mental toll of the stepladder format.
The achievement of a perfect regular season is a rare occurrence in UAAP women’s volleyball, a testament to the sustained competitive balance of the league. The last time such a clean sweep occurred was in Season 84 (2022), a feat accomplished by none other than the very team La Salle vanquished in this contest, the National University Lady Bulldogs. This historical context underscores the magnitude of La Salle’s accomplishment and frames the immediate rivalry in an even sharper light. The stepladder semifinals, a format designed to test the endurance and depth of the contending teams, will now see the remaining contenders battle intensely for the single remaining spot in the finals, a grueling path La Salle has masterfully avoided.
The upcoming finals promise to be an electrifying spectacle, irrespective of which team emerges from the stepladder semifinals to face the Lady Spikers. La Salle’s journey thus far has been characterized by both dominant performances and gritty, come-from-behind wins, epitomizing the spirit of a true champion. Their perfect run has ignited anticipation across the league, setting the stage for a championship series that is expected to be nothing short of legendary.