UAAP women’s volleyball race tightens: Contenders separate as Final Four picture sharpens

The second round of UAAP Season 88 women’s volleyball is no longer about finding rhythm—it’s about survival, separation, and statement wins. This past weekend delivered exactly that, as contenders tightened their grip on Final Four spots while others officially bowed out of contention.

Adamson University set the tone early, delivering a decisive sweep over University of the East and, in the process, slamming the door on UE’s playoff hopes.

Frances Mordi powered the Lady Falcons with 18 points, backed by Shaina Nitura and Third Tuddao, whose combined efforts pushed Adamson to a 6-3 record—right in the thick of the playoff race.

On the other side, UE’s struggles continued despite Khy Cepada’s 14-point effort. With a 0-10 record, the Lady Warriors now shift their focus to closing the season on a high note, starting with their Easter Sunday clash against UST.

If Adamson’s win was about staying alive, National University’s performance was about reclaiming authority.

The defending champions, NU bounced back emphatically against Ateneo, dismantling the Blue Eagles in straight sets. Arah Paniqui led the charge with 13 points, while rookie standout Sam Cantada added 10, steering NU to a 7-3 record and sole possession of second place.

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Here are the team standings in the #UAAPSeason88 Men’s and Women’s Volleyball Tournament after the games this weekend, March 28 & 29, at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion.#StrengthinMotionHopelnAction pic.twitter.com/7SMHoiVRj1

— The UAAP (@uaap_official) March 29, 2026

For Ateneo, the loss marked the end of their Final Four aspirations. Now at 1-9, the Blue Eagles are left to play spoilers, beginning with their upcoming matchup against UP.

Sunday, however, belonged to dominance—and no team embodied that more than De La Salle University.

The Lady Spikers extended their perfect run to 10-0 with a commanding win over UP. Team captain Shevana Laput led with 16 points, while Angel Canino and Amie Provido provided strong support. 

More than just another victory, the win secured La Salle’s place in the Final Four and extended a historic streak—16 consecutive postseason appearances dating back to Season 71.

UP, despite the loss, remains in the hunt. Sitting at 4-6, the Fighting Maroons still have a path forward, with key games ahead that could define their season.

The weekend closed with perhaps the most telling result for the crowded middle of the standings.

UST’s four-set victory over FEU didn’t just add another win—it reshaped the playoff race. Angge Poyos led with 18 points, supported by Regina Jurado and Jonna Perdido, as the Golden Tigresses strengthened their campaign for a Final Four return.

Meanwhile, FEU now finds itself in a three-way tie with UST and Adamson at 6-4, turning the remaining schedule into a high-stakes sprint. Despite Faida Bakanke’s 13-point effort, FEU will need to regroup quickly as they face the daunting challenge of unbeaten La Salle next.

With every match now carrying postseason implications, the UAAP landscape is becoming clearer: La Salle is locked in, NU is surging, and a fierce battle is brewing among UST, FEU, Adamson, and UP for the remaining spots.

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