The DLSU Lady Spikers win their immediate Finals rematch against the NU Lady Bulldogs to sweep the first round of UAAP Season 88.
The DLSU Lady Spikers issued a huge statement on Sunday, beating defending two-time champions NU Lady Bulldogs, 25-21, 25-19, 19-25, 25-17, to sweep round 1 of UAAP Season 88.
It's a huge victory for La Salle, as the Lady Spikers entered this game losing their last five against the Lady Bulldogs.
The win also La Salle's first round sweep since Season 85, when the Lady Spikers captured the UAAP title on the back of Rookie-MVP Angel Canino.
By getting a measure of revenge on NU after losing last year's Finals, the Lady Spikers fuel their own belief that now is their time once again.
“We have such a big hugot against this team, NU. Ever since us as rookies, up until now as seniors. So, of course, this means a lot to us. Coming into the game, we knew that this is our time, this is our season. It's now,” team captain Shevana Laput said after the match.
“We've let them have their time, but now it's time for us to step up and rise to the occasion and do what we know we can do. Which is, we know that we can be a championship level team.” she added.
La Salle flexed its dominance in the first two sets of the match, quickly putting the champs on the ropes.
Even as the Lady Bulldogs recovered with a third set victory and a near-comeback in set 4, the Lady Spikers showed their championship mettle to complete the victory.
For Canino, it was a chance to reintroduce themselves to the UAAP and show what the Season 88 Lady Spikers are capable of.
“Pinapangako talaga namin na pagpasok na pagpasok sa loob ng court, gusto namin ipakilala ulit kung sino kami. Gusto namin na magkaroon kami ulit ng statement sa mga kalaban namin. Matagal na namin tong hinihintay and ayaw naming palagpasin pa yung moment na to,” Canino said.
“Wala nang ibang time para ipakita sa mga tao na once again Lady Spikers kami. Lahat ng values na nandun as a Lady Spikers dito na makikita ngayong Season 88 kaya gusto namin talagang pahirapan bawa't step, bawa't game,” she continued.
While their perfect start shows great promise, Laput is quick to put things in perspective for La Salle as the Lady Spikers now look ahead to the second half of the season.
“Like I said, we have to earn it and we have to work for it. Every single point, every single game, every single training, we have to work hard… For us to be worthy of being a championship level team,” said Laput.
“So, like you said, we are happy, but again, there are things that we need to improve on. And as soon as we get back, that's something that we will focus on,” she continued.
Laput led all scorers in the clash of two title contenders, finishing with 19 points and eight excellent digs. Meanwhile, Canino added another all-around performance of 14 points, six excellent digs, and 10 excellent receptions.
Player of the Game Amie Provido had 12 points and nine excellent digs, as surprise starter Vida Caringal also had nine points to her name.
Caringal filled in for Lilay Castillo, who was under the weather.
Ace rookie Sam Cantada paced NU in the losing effort with 13 points, four excellent digs, and 14 excellent receptions.
NU stumbled to solo second with a 5-2 slate.
The Lady Bulldogs face a quick turnaround as they face round 1 tormentors UP on Wednesday, March 18, while La Salle battles Adamson next on Saturday, March 21. Both matches will be at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
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Luisa Morales is a sports writer with a special interest in promoting women’s sports.
Her coverage highlights include the UAAP, PVL, Southeast Asian Games, and the FIBA World Cup. She also follows Alex Eala, the Philippine women’s national football team, and mixed martial arts.