The DLSU Lady Spikers and the champion NU Lady Bulldogs figure in a Finals rematch to close out the first round of UAAP Season 88.
A highly-anticipated Finals rematch headlines the last playdate of the UAAP Season 88 first round as Shane Reterta and the DLSU Lady Spikers battle Sam Cantada and the NU Lady Bulldogs on Sunday, March 15.
Gametime is 3:00 p.m. at the Mall of Asia Arena.
La Salle (6-0) enters the marquee showdown with its sights set on completing a first-round sweep.
The Lady Spikers have been dominant throughout the tournament and are coming off a thrilling five-set victory over Adamson that further showcased their resilience and depth.
Reterta played a crucial role in that hard-fought win, delivering a stellar triple-double performance with 10 points, 11 excellent digs, and 12 excellent receptions.
Her all-around effort highlighted the Lady Spikers’ balanced approach, as they look to maintain their unbeaten run against one of their fiercest rivals.
Standing in their way is NU (5-1), which has quietly built momentum with a two-game winning streak.
The defending champions also enter the match well-rested after a lengthy break in the schedule.
Rookie standout Cantada will be eager to regain her scoring rhythm after being limited to just six points in their last outing against Ateneo, her first game back after a shin injury.
Known for her explosive offense, Cantada could be a key factor as the Lady Bulldogs attempt to hand La Salle its first loss of the season.
With both squads considered among the league’s top contenders, the matchup serves as a potential preview of another deep postseason battle.
The winner of the match will claim the top spot in the standings midway through the competition.
Earlier in the day at 1:00 p.m., the UP Fighting Maroons and the Adamson Lady Falcons face off in a duel between two evenly-matched squads carrying identical 3-3 records.
Both teams are looking to close the first round with a winning mark, although UP will have to navigate the challenge without star player Casiey Dongallo, who recently suffered a season-ending injury.
[RELATED: UP's Casiey Dongallo suffers season-ending injury]
(With reports from Luisa Morales)
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[Editor's note: This article was written by a member of the One Sports Digital with the help of AI, and then checked by the staff to ensure accuracy.]