DLSU sweeps UP to maintain undefeated UAAP women’s volleyball record

By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña

De La Salle University’s perfect run in the ongoing UAAP Season 88 Women’s Volleyball Tournament continues following a lopsided drubbing of the University of the Philippines, 25-12, 25-15, 25-19, on Feb. 25, 2026, at the SMART Araneta Coliseum.

Fresh off a momentum-boosting 3-0 win over the University of Santo Tomas, the Lady Spikers picked up where they left off and didn’t give any room to breathe for the Fighting Maroons.

A high-octane offensive masterclass quickly left UP behind, led by a DLSU balanced attack spearheaded by Angel Canino, who stepped up big time in the absence of team captain Shevana Laput, who was sidelined due to illness.

DLSU began to pull away midway through the opening set, capped off by a massive 12-2 scoring avalanche to wrap up the first frame in just nearly 14 minutes.

Despite UP’s defensive adjustment of tightening their baseline gaps through fortified floor coverage, the Lady Spikers proved that they were just a well-oiled machine after banking on their cross-court 1-2 sets.

Aside from their cross-court prowess, the Lady Spikers also utilized the off-speed backrow offense to perfection when the Fighting Maroons picked their poison of staying close near the net area in hopes of digging DLSU’s through balls.

Just when the Lady Spikers thought that the third set would become another rundown, UP showed more fight, relying on Casiey Dongallo’s offensive threat with consecutive drop balls.

However, DLSU had enough, as Canino hammered back-to-back spikes followed by Mikee Santos’ crucial blocks to seal their third consecutive 3-0 victory.

Canino stuffed the stat sheets, delivering 12 points built from 10 successful attacks, alongside six excellent receptions, five excellent digs, and a service ace.

Meanwhile, the duo of Amie Provido and Shane Reterta chipped in 11 markers each, while Santos wrapped up the win with 10 points and two blocks.

The Lady Spikers look to extend their magical UAAP start on Feb. 28, 2026, when they face Ateneo de Manila University, while the Fighting Maroons seek to bounce back on the same date against National University.