Round one wraps up: momentum shifts and new storylines emerge in UAAP Season 88 women’s volleyball

The first round of the UAAP Season 88 women’s volleyball tournament has officially wrapped up, leaving behind a clearer picture of where each team stands heading into the crucial second round. While some squads are still searching for their rhythm, others have begun building momentum that could shape the remainder of the season.

Last weekend’s games served as a fitting conclusion to the opening round, with several teams making statements at the Mall of Asia Arena.

The day began on Saturday with a much-needed breakthrough for the Ateneo Blue Eagles women’s volleyball, who finally entered the win column after sweeping the UE Lady Warriors volleyball in straight sets, 25-19, 25-23, 25-16.

Jihan Chuatico powered Ateneo with 13 points built on seven attacks, five blocks, and an ace, while Ana Hermosa added 10 points and seven receptions. The Blue Eagles finished the match in roughly an hour and a half, showing improved chemistry and defensive effort.

Despite the loss, UE had bright spots of its own. Khy Cepada led the Lady Warriors with 13 points along with 11 receptions and seven digs, while Van Bangayan contributed 10 points as UE remained winless in the tournament.

Later that afternoon, the UST Golden Tigresses volleyball closed their opening-round campaign with authority, sweeping the FEU Lady Tamaraws volleyball 25-17, 25-18, 25-20.

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Ready for the 2nd round of volleyball?

Check out the first four gamedays of the second round of the #UAAPSeason88 Men’s and Women’s Volleyball Tournament starting Wednesday, March 18, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

You can also catch the games on One Sports, UAAP Varsity… pic.twitter.com/jytFrwwg6b

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Angge Poyos spearheaded the Golden Tigresses’ attack with 16 points built on 15 attacks and a block while also adding nine receptions. Avril Bron and Reg Jurado provided support with 10 points each as UST snapped FEU’s three-game winning streak.

For FEU, Jaz Ellarina led with 10 points, while Gerz Petallo added nine points and 11 receptions before leaving the third set after an apparent arm injury caused by a collision with a teammate.

Sunday’s action continued with the Adamson Lady Falcons volleyball asserting themselves as one of the tournament’s most dangerous teams. They defeated the UP Fighting Maroons women’s volleyball in straight sets, 25-18, 25-16, 25-19, finishing the first round with a winning record.

The Lady Falcons relied heavily on the offensive duo of Shaina Nitura and Frances Mordi, who combined for 32 points in Adamson’s fourth victory of the season.

Their win placed them in the middle of a tightly contested standings battle, sharing a 4-3 record with FEU and UST while trailing league leaders.

The biggest highlight of the weekend came in the final match, where the De La Salle Lady Spikers volleyball extended their perfect run by defeating defending champions NU Lady Bulldogs volleyball in four sets, 25-21, 25-19, 19-25, 25-17.

The victory pushed La Salle to a flawless 7-0 record, making them the only undefeated team at the end of the first round.

A crowd of 18,351 spectators packed the arena to witness the clash, as Shevana Laput led the Lady Spikers with 19 points and eight digs. Amie Provido added 12 points on 10 spikes and two blocks, along with nine digs.

NU still finished the first round in solo second place with a 5-2 record despite the defeat. Rookie standout Sam Cantada produced 13 points despite missing the opening set, while also recording 14 excellent receptions and four digs. Chams Maaya chipped in 10 points and Celine Marsh added nine points and seven receptions.

With the first round now complete, the tournament enters a more unpredictable stage. Teams have already revealed their strengths and weaknesses, and adjustments will become crucial as the race for the Final Four intensifies.

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