The De La Salle University Lady Spikers, the reigning champions of UAAP women’s volleyball, dramatically extended their undefeated streak to six games, overcoming a formidable Adamson University Lady Falcons in a grueling five-set thriller on Wednesday. The victory, sealed by a resilient closing surge in the decisive fifth set, marked La Salle's first five-set win of the season and a hard-earned testament to their championship mettle. At the core of their triumph was opposite hitter Shevana Laput, who delivered a career-best performance with 26 points, showcasing a potent mix of offensive power and defensive solidity.
This intense encounter served as a critical test for La Salle, highlighting both their deep reserves of talent and potential vulnerabilities as they approach a pivotal showdown against National University and the prospect of a first-round sweep. For Adamson, despite suffering their third loss in six matches, the spirited challenge affirmed their rising status in the league, demonstrating their capacity to push even the most dominant teams to their limits and offering a glimpse into the league's evolving competitive landscape.
The Taft-based Lady Spikers ultimately prevailed with a scoreline that reflected the seesaw nature of the contest, dropping the first set 19-25 before rallying to claim the second and third sets. Adamson then roared back to take the fourth set with a commanding 25-13 finish, forcing the match into a winner-take-all fifth set. La Salle then closed out the decider with an electrifying 8-0 scoring run, preventing what would have been a stunning upset.
Shevana Laput’s attacking prowess was on full display, with her 26 points comprising 19 successful attacks, six crucial blocks, and one service ace. She complemented her scoring with four digs, providing a significant two-way contribution. Laput’s impact was particularly pronounced in the high-pressure environment of the fifth set, where she consistently delivered pivotal points, often under duress, to maintain La Salle’s momentum and ultimately steer them towards victory. Her ability to elevate her game in clutch moments underscored her importance as a team leader.
Joining Laput in anchoring La Salle’s offense was the versatile Angel Canino, who contributed an impressive 19 points alongside an all-around performance that included 12 digs and 11 receptions. The collective effort of the Lady Spikers was most evident during their decisive final run in the fifth set. With La Salle nursing a precarious 7-5 lead, the team unleashed a relentless eight-to-nothing scoring spree that decisively sealed the match, denying Adamson any opportunity for a comeback.
This crucial run featured significant contributions from multiple players. Shane Reterta was instrumental, tallying four points during the game-ending sequence, while Amie Provido added three points, including two emphatic blocks that stifled Adamson’s leading scorer, Frances Mordi. Rookie playmaker Eshana Nunag orchestrated La Salle's offense with 23 excellent sets, distributing the ball effectively across the court, while libero Lyka De Leon anchored the backline defense with 18 excellent digs and 14 excellent receptions, demonstrating the balanced contributions that underpinned the hard-fought victory.
However, the path to extending their perfect run was far from smooth for the defending champions. Adamson, renowned for its tenacity and burgeoning talent, pushed La Salle to the brink, showcasing why they are regarded as a legitimate and dangerous force in the league. Despite absorbing their third loss of the season, the Lady Falcons delivered a performance that garnered widespread respect, illustrating their potential to challenge the established hierarchy of UAAP women’s volleyball.
Adamson’s charge was spearheaded by Frances Mordi and Shaina Nitura, both of whom delivered outstanding offensive outputs. Mordi notched 22 points, while Nitura contributed 21 markers, complementing her scoring with 17 receptions and 10 digs. Their relentless attacks and determined defensive efforts kept the Lady Falcons competitive throughout the match, repeatedly putting immense pressure on La Salle’s renowned defense. Adamson’s repeated success in challenging and, at times, dismantling La Salle’s defense underscored their offensive firepower and strategic acumen.
La Salle assistant coach Noel Orcullo openly acknowledged the team’s struggles and the intensity of the contest, characterizing the match as a significant “test of character” for his squad. He noted that while the players’ physical presence was evident, their mental engagement was lacking in the early stages of the game. Laput echoed this sentiment, stating, “It took us five sets to wake up, to ‘gising,’ to realize that we didn’t come all this way just to lose.” This self-awareness within the coaching staff and the players suggests a commitment to continuous improvement, even in victory. The capacity to win when not at their peak, often described as “winning ugly,” is a hallmark of championship teams, yet the Lady Spikers recognize the fine margins in elite competition and the imperative of consistent focus.
Indeed, La Salle had already displayed moments of vulnerability in preceding matches, notably dropping a set for the first time this season against archrival Ateneo. Coaches had previously expressed concerns about a perceived relaxation in the team’s approach in earlier games. This demanding encounter with Adamson, where La Salle conceded two sets and was severely tested over a prolonged duration, underscored the coaches’ earlier concerns about maintaining unwavering focus and strict adherence to their strategic system. The team's numerous unforced errors, totaling 27 compared to Adamson's 24, also highlighted specific areas requiring immediate refinement and discipline.
The UAAP women’s volleyball tournament has long been a crucible for emerging talent and a stage for established rivalries. La Salle’s program stands as one of the most decorated, boasting a legacy built on consistent excellence and a demanding culture of competitive achievement. The pursuit of a perfect first-round sweep not only secures a significant psychological advantage but also provides a more favorable seeding in the crucial final four playoffs, easing the path towards the championship. As the league’s overall competitiveness intensifies, evidenced by the growth of teams like Adamson, the margins for error for top contenders like La Salle narrow considerably, demanding peak performance in every outing.
Looking ahead, the Lady Spikers face another monumental challenge as they are set to clash with defending champion National University on Sunday. That match will serve as a crucial barometer for La Salle, especially following this taxing encounter with Adamson, offering a glimpse into their preparedness for the ultimate test. The five-set scare, while ultimately a victory, functions as a timely warning and perhaps a necessary wake-up call for La Salle. It reinforces the notion that in the UAAP, every opponent demands full respect and unwavering concentration. The Lady Spikers have proven they can secure victories under intense pressure, but consistency, minimizing unforced errors, and maintaining strategic discipline will be paramount as they continue their quest for another championship title. Adamson, on the other hand, despite the loss, can draw significant confidence from their performance, having demonstrated the firepower and grit to compete effectively with the league’s top-tier teams. The impending rematch against National University looms as a definitive challenge for La Salle, a moment where their championship aspirations will be scrutinized anew.