Metro Manila, Philippines – The De La Salle University Lady Spikers completed an elimination round sweep after surviving the National University (NU) Lady Bulldogs in a five-set thriller, 27-25, 15-25, 23-25, 25-23, 15-13, in the UAAP Season 88 women’s volleyball tournament on Sunday, April 19, at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
The victory did not come without controversy as the Lady Spikers’ match-winning point came through a dramatic officiating sequence.
La Salle, which was up 14-13 in the fifth set, was initially called for four touches before Lady Spikers head coach Ramil de Jesus challenged for an NU block touch.
La Salle’s challenge was unsuccessful, but the review revealed Lady Bulldogs’ Arah Panique committed a net touch violation.
A referee’s challenge confirmed Panique’s net touch was the first infraction in the crucial play, awarding the point to the Lady Spikers and ultimately the win.
Shane Reterta led La Salle with 21 points, while Angel Canino and Amie Provido added 15 points apiece for the Taft-based squad.
This was the Lady Spikers’ first 14-game elimination round sweep in 12 years and fourth sweep overall under De Jesus.
With La Salle securing an automatic finals berth, NU and Adamson University are already in the stepladder semifinals while University of Santo Tomas and Far Eastern University are still very much in the title race.
The Lady Bulldogs are in a must-win situation against UST on Wednesday, April 22. An NU loss would create a three-way tie, with NU and Adamson battling in a playoff match for the second seed and UST getting the fourth seed.
