PASAY CITY, Philippines — The De La Salle University (DLSU) Lady Spikers achieved volleyball immortality on Saturday, May 9, 2026, completing a flawless 16-0 season sweep to dethrone the National University (NU) Lady Bulldogs.
In front of a roaring crowd at the SM Mall of Asia Arena, the Lady Spikers dominated Game 2 of the Finals with a straight-sets victory, 25-22, 25-16, 25-16, to capture their 13th UAAP women’s volleyball crown. The win officially ends La Salle’s three-year title drought and cements this squad as one of the greatest in league history.
La Salle’s Season 88 campaign was a masterclass in consistency and dominance. By winning all 14 elimination games and sweeping the best-of-three Finals, they became the first team to pull off a perfect season since NU did it in Season 84 (2022).
- Game 1 Recap: La Salle set the tone on Wednesday with a 25-23, 25-18, 25-18 sweep, marking the first time the Lady Bulldogs had lost in straight sets in a Finals match in recent memory.
- Game 2 Dominance: Despite a spirited late-set run by NU in the first frame, La Salle’s floor defense and offensive variety proved too much. Sophomore star Shevana Laput delivered the championship-clinching kill, sending the green-and-white faithful into a frenzy.
While the victory was a total team effort under legendary coach Ramil de Jesus, several individuals stood out:
- Angel Canino: The former Rookie-MVP remained the heartbeat of the team. After a 17-point performance in Game 1, she continued to anchor the Lady Spikers’ scoring and reception in the clincher.
- Shevana Laput: The team captain bounced back from a quiet Game 1 to lead the scoring in the second set of Game 2, neutralizing NU’s middle blockers with her high-reaching attacks.
- Amie Provido: The middle blocker came alive in the final set, scoring a crucial running attack and an ace to push La Salle to championship point.
The defeat marked the end of the Lady Bulldogs’ quest for a three-peat. It also served as the final collegiate game for veteran setter Camilla “Lams” Lamina, who has now exhausted her UAAP eligibility.
Despite the loss, NU remains a powerhouse, having reached the Finals for four consecutive seasons. Coach Regine Diego noted that while the result was disappointing, the team’s resilience during their stepladder climb to the Finals was a testament to their “heart and drive.”
- 13th Title: La Salle now moves closer to the all-time record for most UAAP women’s volleyball championships.
- The “Sweep” Legacy: This is Ramil de Jesus’ second perfect season in his storied career (the first being in 2004).
- Redemption: For the seniors who were swept by NU in last year’s Finals, this 16-0 run serves as the ultimate “sweet revenge.”
As the trophy returns to Taft Avenue, the Lady Spikers have once again proven that their system remains the gold standard for Philippine collegiate volleyball.