La Salle secures Final Four edge, UP keeps playoff bid alive

The race for the Final Four tightened further in UAAP Season 88 women’s volleyball on Wednesday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena, as the UP Fighting Maroons women’s volleyball team kept their hopes alive while the De La Salle Lady Spikers secured a crucial advantage heading into the playoffs.

In the 1 p.m. opener, UP refused to let its season slip away, sweeping the struggling Ateneo Blue Eagles women’s volleyball team, 25-20, 25-14, 25-23.

The victory, just their second in the last seven games, lifted the Fighting Maroons to a 5-6 record and kept them within striking distance of a Final Four spot.

Nina Ytang powered UP with 18 points on 13 attacks, three blocks, and two aces. Irah Jaboneta made a solid return from a minor fitness issue with 12 points, while Kianne Olango contributed an all-around effort of eight points, 10 receptions, and five digs.

OKBET is Asia’s most trusted and popular online sports gaming platform. Visit us on OKBET to stay up to date with all sports news from around the world.

Here are the team standings in the #UAAPSeason88 Men’s and Women’s Volleyball Tournament after the games today, April 8, at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.#StrengthInMotionHopeInAction pic.twitter.com/MhI4zQhW8Z

— The UAAP (@uaap_official) April 8, 2026

Ateneo, meanwhile, continued its difficult campaign, falling to 1-10 after absorbing its 10th loss in 11 games. Donna de Leon led the Blue Eagles with seven points, but no player reached double digits. Ana Hermosura and Alex Montoro chipped in five points each in the losing effort.

UP now faces a critical stretch, taking on the Adamson Lady Falcons on April 15 and the FEU Lady Tamaraws on April 19 as it looks to break into the Final Four, while Ateneo will try to snap its skid against La Salle on April 11 at the Filoil EcoOil Centre.

In the 3 p.m. main event, La Salle showed its championship poise, outlasting FEU in a five-set battle, 25-17, 25-22, 23-25, 19-25, 15-10, to remain unbeaten and secure the twice-to-beat advantage.

The De La Salle Lady Spikers appeared in control early before the FEU Lady Tamaraws forced a decider. In the fifth set, however, La Salle reasserted dominance behind its balanced attack and net defense.

Angel Canino delivered 24 points, 14 digs, and 10 receptions, while Shevana Laput paced all scorers with 25 points. Amie Provido added 17 points, highlighted by six blocks, while rookie setter Eshana Nunag orchestrated the offense with 32 excellent sets.

FEU dropped to 6-5 after its second straight loss, now tied with Adamson for fourth place. Lovely Lopez led the Lady Tamaraws with 16 points and 24 excellent receptions, while Gerzel Petallo returned from injury to contribute 14 points.

La Salle will next face Ateneo before wrapping up the elimination round against the University of the East Lady Warriors and defending champions NU Lady Bulldogs, while FEU looks to bounce back against UP in its next outing.

Don’t miss out on the latest sports news, updates, and fan discussions!

  Follow our Facebook page Sports News PH today and be part of a growing community of passionate basketball fans!