De La Salle University leaned on its composure and late-game discipline to keep its unbeaten run intact, outlasting a spirited University of Santo Tomas challenge, 25-14, 25-15, 26-24, in the UAAP Season 88 women’s volleyball tournament on Sunday at the Mall of Asia Arena.
What began as a commanding afternoon for the De La Salle Lady Spikers turned into a pressure test in the third set, as UST finally found its rhythm and pushed the Lady Spikers to the edge. After two lopsided frames that showcased La Salle’s depth and blocking, the Golden Tigresses refused to fade quietly, trading blows and briefly seizing a 23-22 lead that threatened to extend the match.
That moment, however, proved to be the turning point. A crucial UST error opened the door, and Shevana Laput promptly shut it with authority, scoring the final two points to prevent a fourth set and underscore La Salle’s growing maturity early in the season.
Laput anchored the victory with a commanding all-around performance, finishing with 21 points highlighted by timely kills and four emphatic blocks. Angel Canino provided steady support, tallying 13 points while contributing on both ends of the floor, as La Salle improved to 2-0 and continued to look every bit like a title contender.
Setter Eshana Nunag quietly orchestrated the offense with precision, racking up 16 excellent sets while adding three points of her own, ensuring that La Salle’s hitters remained balanced even as UST applied late pressure.
On the other side, the UST Golden Tigresses drew encouragement from their late surge despite slipping to 0-2. Angge Poyos led the España-based squad with 16 points, mixing offense with solid floor defense, as UST showed flashes of the fight that has long defined the Tigresses’ identity.
La Salle assistant coach Noel Orcullo credited his players’ resolve for the escape act, noting that the team’s desire to close out the match proved decisive when momentum briefly shifted.
For the Lady Spikers, the win was less about the scoreline and more about learning how to respond when control is tested. Two games into the season, La Salle has already sent a clear message: dominance is welcome, but poise under pressure is what will keep them undefeated.