La Salle zeroes in on season sweep, UAAP crown after Game 1 demolition of NU

MANILA, Philippines – The La Salle Lady Spikers hardly lost a step even after a long layoff before the UAAP Season 88 women’s volleyball finals.

Out for over two weeks as they waited for their finals foe, the Lady Spikers showed no signs of rust as they blasted two-time defending champion NU Lady Bulldogs, 25-23, 25-18, 25-18, in Game 1 at the Mall of Asia Arena on Wednesday, May 6, to move on the cusp of their second title in four seasons.

Angel Canino showed the way anew with 17 points built on 15 attacks, 1 block, and 1 ace, while Amie Provido rose to the occasion in the pivotal third set as La Salle remained the same vaunted squad that swept the elimination round and triggered a stepladder playoffs.

Head coach Ramil de Jesus had worried whether the break would cause the Lady Spikers to lose their competitive edge, but his wards proved him otherwise.

La Salle trailed 14-15 in the third set before it flipped the switch, finishing the Lady Bulldogs off behind an 11-3 run as it stretched its unbeaten run to 15 games.

Provido poured half of her 12 points in the third set following a stellar two-way performance that saw her post 7 attacks, 4 blocks, and 1 ace.

Shane Reterta also delivered for the Lady Spikers with 11 points, while Shevana Laput added 11 points as well. 

The best blocking team in the league, La Salle shut down NU super rookie Sam Cantada, who was limited to just 2 points. 

Arah Panique led the Lady Bulldogs with 18 points, while Vange Alinsug supplied 12 points in the loss.

The Lady Spikers can close out the best-of-three series and become the latest team to go unbeaten in a season in Game 2 on Saturday, May 9, at the same venue. – Rappler.com