DLSU kicks off UAAP Women’s Volleyball campaign on a high note

By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña

The De La Salle University (DLSU) Lady Archers came out swinging during their first game of the UAAP Season 88 Women’s Volleyball tournament, overpowering the Far Eastern University (FEU) Lady Tamaraws, 25-19, 25-14, 27-25, on Feb. 14, 2026, at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.

Still stinging from a grand finals loss at the hands of the National University (NU) Lady Bulldogs last season, the revamped DLSU squad came out firing on all cylinders, repelling the contenders from Sampaloc in stunning straight-sets fashion.

Shevana Laput, DLSU’s new team captain, began her new quest with a convincing performance, delivering 23 points built from 20 successful attacks, two blocks, and a service ace.

The towering veteran set the tone for the Lady Spikers early in the opening set as she quickly tallied six points to help DLSU build a five-point lead.

With the help of superstar outside hitter Angel Canino, DLSU jumped to a momentum-boosting 1-0 lead, followed by another masterclass in the second set, where the Lady Tamaraws were battered and just didn’t have the offense to match the Lady Spikers’ firepower.

However, things got interesting during the back-and-forth third set when FEU threatened to extend the clash to another frame, needing only one point to get on board at 24-22.

Spoiling FEU’s come-from-behind attempt were Laput and Canino, who scored two crucial points for DLSU to equalize the fiery exchange at 24-all.

As the game reached its second deadlock at 25-all after both schools committed unforced errors, Laput officially shut the door on FEU with back-to-back conversions to seal the 3-0 victory.

Aside from Laput’s offensive display, Canino provided steady numbers, especially in the final stretch of the third set.

The national team staple finished with 15 markers.

The pride of Pototan, Iloilo, Amie Provido anchored the DLSU defense with six blocks, capping off the first win of Season 88 with 11 points.

DLSU targets to sustain its convincing UAAP campaign on Feb. 22, 2026, against Detdet Pepito and the UST Golden Tigresses, while FEU aims to arrest its skid on Feb. 21, 2026, against NU.