Final Four race tightens as UAAP Season 88 Women’s Volleyball hits boiling point

With the UAAP Season 88 women’s volleyball tournament entering its final stretch, every match now carries the weight of postseason implications. While the top seeds continue to assert their authority, the race for the last two Final Four spots has turned into a weekly scramble.

At the center of it all is the unbeaten run of the De La Salle University Lady Spikers, who show no signs of slowing down. Their latest statement came in a clinical sweep of the Ateneo Blue Eagles, 25-13, 25-12, 25-18, stretching their perfect record to 18 straight wins.

Angel Canino once again led the charge with 15 points, supported by Amie Provido and consistent contributions from Lilay Del Castillo and Shevana Laput. Behind them, rookie setter Eshana Nunag orchestrated the offense, tallying 22 excellent sets.

With two games left against the UE Lady Warriors and defending champions NU Lady Bulldogs, La Salle is ready to enter the Final Four without a defeat.

On the other end, Ateneo’s struggles continued, as the loss marked their fifth straight defeat. Rookie Ana Hermosura provided a silver lining with 10 points, but the Lady Eagles remain stuck at the bottom with a 1-11 slate.

For the second game, Adamson Lady Falcons shook up the race with a gutsy sweep of the UST Golden Tigresses, 27-25, 25-20, 26-24. The victory not only snapped UST’s rhythm but also pulled Adamson into a tie for third place at 7-3.

Shaina Nitura and Frances Mordi combined for 37 points in a relentless offensive display, while playmaker Fhei Sagaysay dictated the tempo with 21 excellent sets and timely scoring.

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Here are the team standings in the #UAAPSeason88 Men’s and Women’s Volleyball Tournaments following this weekend’s games (April 11–12) at the FilOil Centre and UST Quadricentennial Pavilion.#StrengthInMotionHopeInAction pic.twitter.com/QWcrG9GXxM

— The UAAP (@uaap_official) April 12, 2026

For UST, the missed opportunity loomed large. Angge Poyos paced the Golden Tigresses with 15 points, but the loss dropped them into a crowded tie with Adamson and the FEU Lady Tamaraws, a three-way logjam for the crucial third spot.

Meanwhile, in the Sunday match, the defending champions secured their Final Four ticket with a dominant sweep of UE, 25-19, 25-14, 25-14. 

Vange Alinsug delivered a balanced performance with an 11-point, 11-reception double-double, while Sam Cantada and Arah Panique turned the service line into a weapon with four aces each.

Veteran setter Lams Lamina steadied the offense as NU climbed to solo second at 9-3, staying within striking distance of La Salle.

UE, still winless, absorbed its 12th straight loss despite efforts from Van Bangayan.

The most pivotal shift, however, came from FEU. The Lady Tamaraws tightened their grip on contention by outlasting the UP Fighting Maroons in four sets, 25-21, 22-25, 25-19, 25-22. The win pushed FEU into that same three-way tie for third, while bringing UP to the brink of elimination.

Clarisse Loresco delivered a breakout performance with 17 points, while Alyzza Devosora and teammates Jazlyn Ellarina and Faida Bakanke provided key support. Setter Tin Ubaldo kept the offense flowing.

For UP, now at 5-7, the margin for error has vanished. Niña Ytang led with 19 points, backed by Kianne Olango, but their Final Four hopes now hang by a thread.

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