DLSU maintains unbeaten UAAP run after taking down Ateneo

By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña

The De La Salle University (DLSU) Lady Spikers’ perfect UAAP Season 88 start continues after defeating rival squad Ateneo de Manila University (ADMU), 25-14, 21-25, 25-15, 25-17, in the ongoing Women’s Volleyball Tournament on March 1, 2026, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

With another impressive win, the Lady Spikers hiked their UAAP win-loss record to 4-0, remaining the only school to start Season 88 without a single loss.

Despite DLSU dropping its first set across four games, the ladies in green still put up a convincing outing after stomping the Blue Eagles in the last two sets, limiting them to just 32 points in sets 3 and 4.

A one-sided masterclass greeted the opposing fans wearing blue threads as DLSU quickly hosted a demoralizing block party spearheaded by the defensive trio of Lilay del Castillo, Angel Canino, and Amie Provido.

The three towering defensive anchors looked like a brick wall, as the Blue Eagles failed to have any easy offensive set-ups, resulting in their lowest-scoring set of the match with just 14 points.

However, the Blue Nation suddenly went from flat to raucous as the Blue Eagles found a way to steal the second set and equalize the UAAP rivalry classic showdown at 1-all.

Through the resurgence of Ana Hermosura, Dona De Leon, and Taks Fujimoto, the Blue Eagles found their groove and were able to match DLSU’s level of intensity on both ends of the floor.

The rookie duo of Hermosura and De Leon took charge, piling up points for Ateneo, while Fujimoto dished out efficient sets, adjusting her angles after a slow start in the opening set.

Just when Ateneo thought it could sustain its momentum, the Lady Spikers approached the third set with cruel intentions, reverting to their point of emphasis as they focused once again on the defensive end.

In just a snap, DLSU retook the driver’s seat, extending its impressive two-way performance until the fourth and final set.

Stealing the show for the Lady Spikers was del Castillo, who tallied 18 points built from 16 successful attacks, alongside four excellent receptions and three service aces.

Much of the postgame buzz focused less on del Castillo’s offensive stats and more on her defensive showing, where she recorded eight of DLSU’s 16 total blocks.

For the fourth straight game, Canino stayed consistent and solid, delivering 21 markers derived from 19 successful attacks, while Provido added 17 points.

DLSU aims to improve its undefeated record to 5-0 on March 7, 2026, against the struggling University of the East (UE), while Ateneo seeks to rebound on March 4, 2026, against Far Eastern University (FEU).