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Manila Bulletin devider Sports devider Collegiate devider La Salle, NU clash in fourth finals duel; Tams, Bulldogs seek strong start in men's finale

La Salle, NU clash in fourth finals duel; Tams, Bulldogs seek strong start in men's finale

Published May 5, 2026 03:08 pm

At A Glance

  • De La Salle University and reigning champion National University clash anew for the women's volleyball crown for the fourth time in the last five years.
Expect La Salle's Angel Canino and NU's Sam Cantada play their hearts out in the UAAP Season 88 women's volleyball finals opener. (UAAP Media)
Expect La Salle's Angel Canino and NU's Sam Cantada play their hearts out in the UAAP Season 88 women's volleyball finals opener. (UAAP Media)
The UAAP Season 88 journey was tough, but one team took the long, grueling road.
The other is well-rested.
De La Salle University and reigning champion National University clash anew for the women’s volleyball crown for the fourth time in the last five years.
This Wednesday, May 6, the unbeaten Lady Spikers and the three-peat-seeking Lady Bulldogs look to carry the lessons from the season and use them as fuel as they begin their title rematch at 5 p.m. at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City, with both sides eyeing first blood in their bid for the championship.
Also set in the double-header is the title duel between Far Eastern University and defending champ NU in the men’s play at 12 p.m.
La Salle, which is fresh off a two-week break after earning an outright Finals berth due to an elimination sweep, seeks vengeance after stumbling to the very same team last edition with renewed energy helping it carry the hopes of bringing back the glory to Taft.
It has been three years since the Lady Spikers last won the title, but Angel Canino is more motivated than ever, with Shevana Laput, Amie Provido, Shane Reterta, Eshana Nunag, and Lilay Del Castillo supporting her cause.
“‘Yon naman po talaga ang mission namin ngayong season, mag-champion po ulit. As much as possible we are always trying to be true to our words with our actions,” told Canino to Manila Bulletin/Tempo earlier this season. “Naniniwala po ako na kaya naming mag-dominate, tiwala lang po sa sistema ng mga coaches at sa mga teammates.”
Adding another layer to an already exciting contest is the first Finals coaching showdown between Regine Diego and Ramil de Jesus, with the former having played and won championships under the veteran mentor during Manilla Santos’ era in the mid-2000s.
La Salle is also aiming to erase the bitter memory of Season 76  (2014) where it swept the elimination but was met with strong opposition in the finals, with Alyssa Valdez and Ateneo spoiling the party at the end.
Though momentum is on its side following a five-set escape over NU last April 19, La Salle still faces a daunting task, with the Lady Bulldogs driven to prove they remain a team to be feared despite reaching its first Finals without two of their decorated spikers in Bella Belen and Alyssa Solomon. Both are in the professional ranks now.
Lams Lamina, now in her 11th year under the NU program, is expected to carry the cudgels, alongside fellow veterans Shaira Jardio, Vange Alinsug, Chams Maaya, Arah Panique, and Alexa Mata. Rookie of the Year winner Sam Cantada adds firepower from the youthful side.
For the two-time UAAP Best Setter, being calm and collected under heavy pressure is everything.
“Maraming nagsasabe na marami ‘yong expectations for NU na kailangan naming ma-defend ‘yong crown, tapos… grabe ‘yong pressure, pero I always stay composed kasi ‘yon talaga ang pagiging setter,” said Lamina after NU eliminated the feisty University of Santo Tomas last weekend.
“Very challenging talaga ng La Salle kasi kumpleto sila, kami naman back to basic, prepare,” she added. “Tingin ko naman pagdating naman ng championship kung sino naman ‘yong mas hungry to get the crown. Siguro depende nalang sino ‘yong bibitaw.”

Related Tags

NU Lady Bulldogs UAAP Season 88 La Salle Lady Spikers Angel Canino Shevana Laput Lams Lamina Arah Panique Shane Reterta Ramil de Jesus Regine Diego
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