OVER a decade since its try for a UAAP Season 76 sweep stumbled at the last hurdle, La Salle once again has the broom on hand and can now go for the jugular.
Not even a 17-day stepladder layoff could douse the Lady Spikers’ roaring flames, overwhelming two-time defending champion National U, 25-23, 25-18, 25-18 in Game 1 of the Season 88 finals on Wednesday at the Mall of Asia Arena.
Now 15 games unbeaten, the green-and-white has within its grasp the first perfect run in women's volleyball since the Lady Bulldogs pulled off the feat in Season 84, ironically against La Salle, in Game 2 come Saturday still at the same venue.
The Lady Spikers scored 10 of the last 13 points from a 15-all deadlock in Set 3, punctuating a methodical Game 1 masterclass from the 12-time champions against their modern-day rivals.
Leading the league-leaders
Angel Canino showed exactly why she thrives on the biggest stage, firing 17 points on top of nine digs, while fellow Alas Pilipinas mainstay Amie Provido anchored the middle with 12 points built on seven attacks, four blocks, and an ace.
"Happy ako kasi 'yung mga bata talaga today, nag-step up. Lahat talaga, naipakita na kung sinuman 'yung ipasok, kayang-kaya mag-perform. That's one of the best things na nangyari sa game na 'to," said Canino.
Shane Reterta likewise delivered on both ends with 11 points and 23 receptions, as captain Shevana Laput overcame a tough offensive outing to still finish with 11 markers.
The opener initially looked headed NU’s way after the Lady Bulldogs built a 19-14 cushion, only for La Salle to turn the tables, with Reterta and Lilay Del Castillo sparking the comeback before Canino and Provido slammed the door shut themselves.
From there, the Lady Spikers never loosened their grip.
They raced to a 3-0 start in Set 2 and controlled the frame throughout, taking a commanding 2-0 edge behind consecutive Canino hits.
National U attempted one last stand with a four-point opening blitz in the third set, but once La Salle erased the deficit and tied it at 15-all, the Taft towers unleashed a decisive closing run to complete a commanding finals opener.
Arah Panique and Vange Alinsug combined for 30 points in the loss, but the blue-and-gold's biggest struggle came from the absence of production from first-year standout Sam Cantada.
In her seniors finals debut, the presumptive Rookie of the Year was held to just two points, her worst outing this far, converting only one of her 18 attack attempts, while also tallying just three receptions in 15 tries.
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