La Salle completes 14-0 sweep, punches finals ticket in controversial classic

History doesn’t always arrive clean. For the De La Salle Lady Spikers, their return to perfection came wrapped in drama, resilience, and just a touch of controversy—fitting for a team that has made a habit of living at the edge of big moments.

In front of a roaring 19,419 crowd at the Mall of Asia Arena, La Salle completed a flawless 14-0 elimination round sweep in UAAP Season 88, outlasting defending champions NU Lady Bulldogs in a gripping five-set battle, 27-25, 15-25, 23-25, 25-23, 15-13.

But this wasn’t a straight path to history—it was a climb.

For long stretches, National University dictated the pace, even pushing La Salle to the brink late in the fourth set. Down 20-23, the Lady Spikers needed not just execution, but belief. They found both, clawing their way back to force a deciding fifth set.

“Ginusto ng mga bata manalo. Ever since (sa Set 4), lamang ang NU e, pero pinusuan ng mga bata,” said assistant coach Noel Orcullo.

“Ugly win, but a win is a win.”

The final point, however, ensured this match would be remembered beyond the record books.

With La Salle ahead 14-13 in the fifth, an initial four-touch violation was called against them. Head coach Ramil de Jesus challenged for a block touch—unsuccessful at first glance. But a closer review revealed contact on the net by a NU player’s forearm.

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BOW TO THE BEST

Shane Reterta and the DLSU Lady Spikers secure an outright Finals spot as they wrap up a perfect elimination round by taking down the NU Lady Bulldogs in five thrilling sets in their Round 2 faceoff in the #UAAPSeason88 women’s volleyball tournament. pic.twitter.com/XNcMyGxa8F

— One Sports (@OneSportsPHL) April 19, 2026

What followed was a rare referee’s discretionary challenge, ultimately reversing the call and handing La Salle the match—and the sweep.

Messy or not, the result stood. And so did La Salle’s dominance.

The victory secured an outright Finals berth, marking their 14th appearance in the last 16 seasons and putting them on track for a 13th title. More importantly, it grants them a crucial advantage: rest and preparation, while the rest of the field battles through a stepladder semifinal.

Leading the charge was Shane Reterta, who delivered 21 points along with 18 receptions and 15 digs in an all-around masterclass. Angel Canino added a triple-double of 15 points, 16 receptions, and 12 digs, while Shevana Laput and Amie Provido combined for 31 points—most of them coming when the match hung in the balance.

On the other side, NU proved why it remains a contender. Vange Alinsug led the Lady Bulldogs with 22 points, backed by Arah Panique and Chammy Maaya, while rookie Sam Cantada and libero Shaira Jardio anchored the defensive stand.

Yet in the end, it was La Salle that found a way. Not perfect in execution—but perfect where it mattered most.

And now, while the rest of the league fights for survival, the Lady Spikers wait—one step closer to turning a flawless run into another championship chapter.

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