The De La Salle University (DLSU) Lady Spikers completed a 16–0 season and their redemption run against the National University (NU) Lady Bulldogs, 25–22, 25–16, 25–16, earlier today in Game 2 of the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 88 Women’s Volleyball Tournament Finals at the Mall of Asia (MOA) Arena.

The first set opened with Vange Alinsug scoring back-to-back points to give NU an early 0 - 2 lead. Shevana Laput quickly responded, followed by a triple block led by Lilay Del Castillo to level the score before DLSU pulled ahead, 5 - 2. The set turned into a back-and-forth battle, but Angel Canino, Shane Reterta, and Laput remained relentless, extending the Lady Spikers’ advantage to 16 - 11. Eshana Nunag maximized DLSU’s middles, activating Amie Provido and Del Castillo to push the lead to 22 - 16. In a dramatic finish, NU mounted a comeback to take a 21-22 lead, but Laput and Del Castillo took turns scoring to secure the set, 25 - 22.

With a 1–0 lead, the second set put on even more pressure for NU. With La Salle benefiting from attack errors and the Canino-Laput duo working like a well oiled machine, the second set was off to a strong start, 5–1. While the Lady Bulldogs leaned on Cham Maaya and Alexa Mata for quick points through the middle, the Lady Spikers responded immediately to prevent any momentum swing, 13 - 7. Errors continued to pile up for NU, allowing La Salle to build a commanding 20 - 11 advantage as the Lady Spikers consistently applied pressure. Laput anchored the offense down the stretch, securing the second set and moving DLSU one set away from the title, 25 - 16.

On the brink of a 13th title, it was now or never for the Lady Spikers in the third and final set. The trio of Canino-Laput-Provido provided the first line of defense and offense for La Salle, 7–4, but Alinsug, with the help of Sam Cantada, would carry her team to tie it at 7-all. With tensions rising and NU beginning to regain its rhythm, Lilay Del Castillo broke the deadlock with back-to-back blocks to restore DLSU’s advantage, 10 - 7. Despite opportunities to score, errors continued to haunt the Lady Bulldogs, while Laput stayed consistent offensively and La Salle’s net defense remained solid to preserve a 16 - 11 lead. As the Lady Spikers closed in on the title, Shane Reterta, Provido, Laput, and Canino each delivered crucial points to finish the match and bring the Green and White to glory, 25 - 16.

Captain Shevana Laput is hailed Finals MVP, leading her team all throughout and leaving no room for doubt.

From back-to-back title dreams shattered in Season 86 to the heartbreak of a Finals defeat in Season 87, Season 88 became something greater than redemption. Season 88 stands as proof that time, struggle, and belief can bend toward glory. An unbeaten run forged through sacrifice, trust, and unwavering commitment is now complete, dedicated to everyone who carried the journey through the darkness and into the light.

This is for every moment of doubt overcome, every fall endured, and every rise that followed, as the Lady Spikers return to the summit.