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Tag: NU Lady Bulldogs

  • Final Four race tightens as UAAP Season 88 Women’s Volleyball hits boiling point

    Final Four race tightens as UAAP Season 88 Women’s Volleyball hits boiling point

    With the UAAP Season 88 women’s volleyball tournament entering its final stretch, every match now carries the weight of postseason implications. While the top seeds continue to assert their authority, the race for the last two Final Four spots has turned into a weekly scramble.


    At the center of it all is the unbeaten run of the De La Salle University Lady Spikers, who show no signs of slowing down. Their latest statement came in a clinical sweep of the Ateneo Blue Eagles, 25-13, 25-12, 25-18, stretching their perfect record to 18 straight wins.

     

    Angel Canino once again led the charge with 15 points, supported by Amie Provido and consistent contributions from Lilay Del Castillo and Shevana Laput. Behind them, rookie setter Eshana Nunag orchestrated the offense, tallying 22 excellent sets.

     

    With two games left against the UE Lady Warriors and defending champions NU Lady Bulldogs, La Salle is ready to enter the Final Four without a defeat.

     

    On the other end, Ateneo’s struggles continued, as the loss marked their fifth straight defeat. Rookie Ana Hermosura provided a silver lining with 10 points, but the Lady Eagles remain stuck at the bottom with a 1-11 slate.

     

    For the second game, Adamson Lady Falcons shook up the race with a gutsy sweep of the UST Golden Tigresses, 27-25, 25-20, 26-24. The victory not only snapped UST’s rhythm but also pulled Adamson into a tie for third place at 7-3.

     

    Shaina Nitura and Frances Mordi combined for 37 points in a relentless offensive display, while playmaker Fhei Sagaysay dictated the tempo with 21 excellent sets and timely scoring.

     

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    For UST, the missed opportunity loomed large. Angge Poyos paced the Golden Tigresses with 15 points, but the loss dropped them into a crowded tie with Adamson and the FEU Lady Tamaraws, a three-way logjam for the crucial third spot.

     

    Meanwhile, in the Sunday match, the defending champions secured their Final Four ticket with a dominant sweep of UE, 25-19, 25-14, 25-14. 

     

    Vange Alinsug delivered a balanced performance with an 11-point, 11-reception double-double, while Sam Cantada and Arah Panique turned the service line into a weapon with four aces each.

     

    Veteran setter Lams Lamina steadied the offense as NU climbed to solo second at 9-3, staying within striking distance of La Salle.

     

    UE, still winless, absorbed its 12th straight loss despite efforts from Van Bangayan.

     

    The most pivotal shift, however, came from FEU. The Lady Tamaraws tightened their grip on contention by outlasting the UP Fighting Maroons in four sets, 25-21, 22-25, 25-19, 25-22. The win pushed FEU into that same three-way tie for third, while bringing UP to the brink of elimination.

     

    Clarisse Loresco delivered a breakout performance with 17 points, while Alyzza Devosora and teammates Jazlyn Ellarina and Faida Bakanke provided key support. Setter Tin Ubaldo kept the offense flowing.

     

    For UP, now at 5-7, the margin for error has vanished. Niña Ytang led with 19 points, backed by Kianne Olango, but their Final Four hopes now hang by a thread.

     

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  • UAAP Season 88 volleyball hits crucial stretch as Final Four race tightens in weekend showdown

    UAAP Season 88 volleyball hits crucial stretch as Final Four race tightens in weekend showdown

    With the UAAP Season 88 women’s volleyball tournament entering its decisive stretch, the weekend schedule brings more than just matches—it presents defining moments that could shape the Final Four.


    Teams return to familiar ground on Saturday, as the league makes its first appearance this season at the FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan—a venue rich in collegiate volleyball history. 

     

    Meanwhile, Sunday’s games shift to the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion, where pressure will only intensify as the second round nears its end.

     

    All eyes remain on the unbeaten DLSU Lady Spikers, who continue to dictate the pace of the tournament. Sitting comfortably atop the standings with an 11-0 record, La Salle is now within striking distance of securing the coveted twice-to-beat advantage—and possibly completing a sweep of the elimination round.

     

    Their next test comes against the Ateneo Lady Eagles, a team struggling to find wins but still searching for a strong finish. The Lady Spikers are expected to lean once again on Angel Canino, who delivered a triple-double performance in their previous outing with 24 points. Support from Shevana Laput and Amie Provido has also been crucial in maintaining La Salle’s dominance in tight matches.

     

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    On the other side, Ateneo’s campaign has been far from ideal, with just one win to show so far. Still, the Lady Eagles are determined to salvage pride before the eliminations close, banking on the efforts of Donna de Leon, rookie Ana Hermosura, and Alex Montoro to spark a late turnaround.

     

    The afternoon clash shifts the spotlight to the heated race for the Final Four, as the UST Golden Tigresses face the Adamson Lady Falcons.

     

    UST, currently holding third place with a 7-4 record, is looking to solidify its position after a dominant win over UE. Angge Poyos continues to lead the charge, backed by Regine Jurado and team captain Detdet Pepito, as the Tigresses aim to create separation from the chasing pack.

     

    Adamson, meanwhile, finds itself in a precarious situation, tied in the standings with FEU and fighting to stay within the Final Four picture. Coming off a tough loss to NU, the Lady Falcons will turn to Shaina Nitura, who erupted for 23 points in their last outing, to keep their campaign alive.

     

    Sunday’s matches bring a different narrative—one of survival, redemption, and positioning.

     

    The winless UE Lady Warriors take on defending champions NU Lady Bulldogs, who continue to assert themselves as one of the most consistent contenders this season. NU’s structured system and depth have allowed them to stay firmly in the upper half of the standings, making them heavy favorites heading into the matchup.

     

    In the later game, the UP Fighting Maroons look to build on their recent victory as they attempt a late push toward the Final Four. However, standing in their way are the FEU Lady Tamaraws, who are equally desperate to bounce back after a heartbreaking five-set loss to La Salle.

     

    With FEU currently in a tight race for the last semifinal berth and UP gaining momentum at the right time, their matchup could prove pivotal in determining who stays in contention heading into the final stretch.

     

    As the elimination round edges closer to its conclusion, every set, every rally, and every win carries heavier consequences—turning this weekend into a defining chapter in UAAP Season 88.

     

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  • UST, NU dominate Easter Sunday matches in UAAP women’s volleyball

    UST, NU dominate Easter Sunday matches in UAAP women’s volleyball

    Easter Sunday brought more than reflection—it delivered clarity in the intensifying race to the Final Four of the UAAP Season 88 women’s volleyball tournament. 


    Inside the familiar walls of the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion, University of Santo Tomas Golden Tigresses protected their home court, wherein they were able to defeat in straight-sets the UE Lady Warriors 25-21, 26-24, 25-20. 

     

    UST’s campaign continues to be anchored by Angge Poyos, who once again led with 17 points built on 14 attacks, two aces, and one block, while also contributing nine excellent digs and six receptions. Alongside her, Reg Jurado added 11 points, and playmaker Cassie Carballo kept the offense fluid with 17 excellent sets and three markers of her own.

     

    But beyond the numbers, the Tigresses’ real edge has been intangible, the energy of their home crowd. UST remains unbeaten at the Pavilion this season, turning it into a fortress at a crucial point in the tournament.

     

    Their next challenge comes against the Adamson Lady Falcons on April 11, a matchup that could further solidify or shake their Final Four aspirations.

     

    On the other side, UE continues its search for answers. Despite flashes of promise from Khy Cepada, who delivered 17 points along with solid floor defense, and Bea Zamudio’s 12-point effort, the Lady Warriors remain stuck at the bottom, still trying to find cohesion as the season winds down. Their next test is the reigning powerhouse, NU Lady Bulldogs.

     

    If the morning match was about defending ground, the afternoon clash was about asserting dominance.

     

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    NU showed why they remain the benchmark in the league, dispatching Adamson in straight sets, 25-20, 25-21, 25-21. The victory not only marked their second win in the second round but also secured their hold on the second spot by being alone and steady.

     

    Team captain Vange Alinsug led with 15 points, showcasing both scoring and reception stability. Support came in waves from rookies Sam Cantada and Arah Panique who chipped in 12 points each, while middle blockers Chams Maaya and Alexa Mata quietly controlled the net with six points apiece.

     

    For NU, it wasn’t just about winning—it was about depth. Every rotation looked composed, every player ready. That balance continues to separate them from the pack.

     

    Adamson, meanwhile, finds itself at a crossroads. Now sitting at 6-5, just behind the fourth-seeded FEU, the Lady Falcons are still within striking distance—but slipping. 

     

    Shaina Nitura carried the offensive load with a massive 23-point outing and 18 excellent receptions, but limited support from the rest of the squad proved costly.

     

    Their upcoming clash with UST now carries even more weight—not just for redemption, but for survival in the Final Four race.

     

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  • NU Lady Bulldogs head coach under fire as fans demand Camilla Lamina return amid UAAP Season 88 struggles

    NU Lady Bulldogs head coach under fire as fans demand Camilla Lamina return amid UAAP Season 88 struggles

    As the UAAP Season 88 women’s volleyball tournament continues, defending champion National University Lady Bulldogs are facing a more turbulent path than expected after a second‑round defeat to the FEU Lady Tamaraws. 


    The loss at the Smart Araneta Coliseum sparked a wave of frustration among Lady Bulldogs supporters, who loudly called for veteran setter Camilla Lamina to be given more playing time. 

     

    A viral video on social media captured fans inside the arena expressing their displeasure, chanting for Lamina’s insertion and leveling harsh remarks toward the coaching staff.

     

    NU’s head coach, Regine Diego has drawn criticism from some sections of the fanbase for opting to keep Lamina on the bench in favor of sophomore Abegail Pono as the team’s starting setter. 

     

    The decision has been controversial given Lamina’s pedigree who is a two‑time UAAP Best Setter (Seasons 84 and 87) whose numbers have dipped to 1.68 average sets per game this season from 5.34 during their 2025 championship run. 

     

    Lamina, standing at 5‑foot‑7 has started just three of NU’s nine matches so far, managing double‑digit production only twice this year.

     

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    NU’s recent struggles are also a product of roster changes entering Season 88. The Lady Bulldogs, historically one of the UAAP’s most successful programs with five overall championships, have seen several core players graduate after a dominant stretch that included a back‑to‑back title in Season 87 and multiple finals appearances in recent years. 

     

    Adding fuel to the clamor, Lamina has battled minor injuries this season — including an index finger issue that occasionally limited her availability — which may have influenced the coaching staff’s cautious approach. 

     

    Rather than a simple benching, observers say the move could be aimed at managing her health and preserving her effectiveness throughout the grueling UAAP schedule. 

     

    Fans, however, remain unconvinced, insisting that NU needs Lamina’s championship experience now more than ever if they are to retain positioning near the top of the standings.

     

    The Lady Bulldogs have shown flashes of resilience despite setbacks. After suffering earlier losses this season, supporters are still calling for clearer adjustments as NU prepares to face the Ateneo Lady Eagles on Saturday, March 28, at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion, a crucial match that could shape their Final Four hopes. 

     

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  • Super-rookie Sam Cantada drops 32-point triple double as NU beats UP in five-set thriller

    Super-rookie Sam Cantada drops 32-point triple double as NU beats UP in five-set thriller

    The UAAP Season 88 women’s volleyball tournament witnessed a breakout performance on Wednesday, as National University’s 19-year-old sensation, Sam Cantada, announced herself in emphatic fashion. 


    Facing the University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons in the second round opener, Cantada delivered a 32-point triple-double, reminding the league why she’s considered a “super rookie.”

     

    Beyond her scoring heroics, Cantada contributed 18 receptions and 13 digs, added three blocks, and recorded two aces, carrying the Lady Bulldogs through a grueling five-set battle that ended 24-26, 25-17, 21-25, 25-18, 15-8. The victory also served as redemption for NU, which had fallen to UP in Round 1.

     

    The performance is now etched in Lady Bulldogs history, marking the highest single-game scoring output since Alyssa Solomon posted 34 points in Game 2 of the Season 85 Finals against the DLSU Lady Spikers. 

     

    Even veteran coach Ramil De Jesus of the Lady Spikers couldn’t help but acknowledge Cantada’s impact, praising the rookie’s maturity and poise under pressure.

     

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    Despite her rising star, Cantada remains grounded, emphasizing that personal milestones matter little without a championship. 

     

    “Siyempre hindi pa naman po tapos, so hindi po ako magsi-stop kasi wala pa naman po eh. Hindi pa kami champion eh. So kailangan pa namin mag-aim pa po and pagtrabahuhan pa po,” she said.

     

    Her performance is even more impressive considering she recovered from an injury sustained during NU’s first encounter with UP, which forced her to sit out a match. 

     

    “Siyempre po, galing din kami sa talo, which is sa La Salle po, so pinanghugutan lang po namin yung game namin sa La Salle. So inall-out lang talaga namin yun,” Cantada added.

     

    Looking ahead, NU hopes to build momentum as they prepare to face the FEU Lady Tamaraws on March 22, 2026, at 3 p.m. at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. 

     

    Cantada believes her team is still in strong contention for the title. “Sa nakikita ko po, kaya namin siya. Kaya namin makuha ulit ‘yung championship,” she said.

     

    With her combination of scoring, defense, and leadership, Cantada isn’t just a rookie making noise, she’s a force that could define NU’s championship push this season.

     

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  • NU Lady Bulldogs eye redemption against UP as UAAP Season 88 Round 2 kicks off

    NU Lady Bulldogs eye redemption against UP as UAAP Season 88 Round 2 kicks off

    The UAAP Season 88 women’s volleyball tournament shifts into high gear as the second round kicks off, putting the spotlight on consistency, redemption, and the relentless hunt for Final Four spots.


    Defending champion National University Lady Bulldogs enter the round eager to make amends after stumbling in the closing stretch of Round 1. 

     

    Their four-set loss to the DLSU Lady Spikers last Sunday dropped a dent in their momentum, leaving NU with a 5-2 record—already matching last season’s total elimination losses. 

     

    The Lady Bulldogs now sit second in the standings, narrowly ahead of the Lady Falcons, Lady Tamaraws, and Golden Tigresses, all holding 4-3, in a tight race for the No. 2 seed.

     

    NU will look for revenge as they face the UP Fighting Maroons at 3 p.m., a rematch of their first-round clash where the Maroons triumphed in a five-set match, 25-16, 25-16, 22-25, 29-31, 16-18. 

     

    Rookie star Sam Cantada, who returned from a right shin injury after colliding with libero IC Cepada and she’s determined to lead the charge and help the Lady Bulldogs reclaim their winning rhythm.

     

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    For the Fighting Maroons, Round 2 begins with the challenge of regaining momentum after a promising 3-1 start was derailed by three consecutive losses to FEU, UST, and Adamson, compounded by the season-ending injury of key player Casiey Dongallo. 

     

    Niña Ytang now shoulders the responsibility to lift the squad, teaming up with Jelai Gajero to fill the void left by Dongallo.

     

    In the opening game of Round 2, FEU Lady Tamaraws take on the winless UE Red Warriors. FEU is eager to rebound after finishing Round 1 with a sweep loss to UST, and the team could be without Gerzel Petallo, who suffered a right shoulder injury during a collision with teammate Marga Encarnacion. 

     

    Head coach Tina Salak is relying on Jazz Ellarina, Faida Bakanke, Aly Devosora, Lovely Lopez, and setter Tin Ubaldo to guide the Lady Tamaraws back to form.

     

    Meanwhile, UE is determined to snap their Round 1 winless streak. Head coach Jumbo Dimaculangan looks to her top scorer Khy Cepada, captain Van Bangayan, and Bea Zamudio to keep the Red Warriors competitive in a daunting second round.

     

    With the second round underway, every match carries weight, and each team is fighting not only for wins but for validation. As injuries test depth, streaks are challenged, and rivalries intensify, one thing is clear, the path to the UAAP Season 88 Final Four will demand grit and unwavering focus from every squad.

     

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  • Round one wraps up: momentum shifts and new storylines emerge in UAAP Season 88 women’s volleyball

    Round one wraps up: momentum shifts and new storylines emerge in UAAP Season 88 women’s volleyball

    The first round of the UAAP Season 88 women’s volleyball tournament has officially wrapped up, leaving behind a clearer picture of where each team stands heading into the crucial second round. While some squads are still searching for their rhythm, others have begun building momentum that could shape the remainder of the season.


    Last weekend’s games served as a fitting conclusion to the opening round, with several teams making statements at the Mall of Asia Arena.

     

    The day began on Saturday with a much-needed breakthrough for the Ateneo Blue Eagles women’s volleyball, who finally entered the win column after sweeping the UE Lady Warriors volleyball in straight sets, 25-19, 25-23, 25-16.

     

    Jihan Chuatico powered Ateneo with 13 points built on seven attacks, five blocks, and an ace, while Ana Hermosa added 10 points and seven receptions. The Blue Eagles finished the match in roughly an hour and a half, showing improved chemistry and defensive effort.

     

    Despite the loss, UE had bright spots of its own. Khy Cepada led the Lady Warriors with 13 points along with 11 receptions and seven digs, while Van Bangayan contributed 10 points as UE remained winless in the tournament.

     

    Later that afternoon, the UST Golden Tigresses volleyball closed their opening-round campaign with authority, sweeping the FEU Lady Tamaraws volleyball 25-17, 25-18, 25-20.

     

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    Angge Poyos spearheaded the Golden Tigresses’ attack with 16 points built on 15 attacks and a block while also adding nine receptions. Avril Bron and Reg Jurado provided support with 10 points each as UST snapped FEU’s three-game winning streak.

     

    For FEU, Jaz Ellarina led with 10 points, while Gerz Petallo added nine points and 11 receptions before leaving the third set after an apparent arm injury caused by a collision with a teammate.

     

    Sunday’s action continued with the Adamson Lady Falcons volleyball asserting themselves as one of the tournament’s most dangerous teams. They defeated the UP Fighting Maroons women’s volleyball in straight sets, 25-18, 25-16, 25-19, finishing the first round with a winning record.

     

    The Lady Falcons relied heavily on the offensive duo of Shaina Nitura and Frances Mordi, who combined for 32 points in Adamson’s fourth victory of the season.

     

    Their win placed them in the middle of a tightly contested standings battle, sharing a 4-3 record with FEU and UST while trailing league leaders.

     

    The biggest highlight of the weekend came in the final match, where the De La Salle Lady Spikers volleyball extended their perfect run by defeating defending champions NU Lady Bulldogs volleyball in four sets, 25-21, 25-19, 19-25, 25-17.

     

    The victory pushed La Salle to a flawless 7-0 record, making them the only undefeated team at the end of the first round.

     

    A crowd of 18,351 spectators packed the arena to witness the clash, as Shevana Laput led the Lady Spikers with 19 points and eight digs. Amie Provido added 12 points on 10 spikes and two blocks, along with nine digs.

     

    NU still finished the first round in solo second place with a 5-2 record despite the defeat. Rookie standout Sam Cantada produced 13 points despite missing the opening set, while also recording 14 excellent receptions and four digs. Chams Maaya chipped in 10 points and Celine Marsh added nine points and seven receptions.

     

    With the first round now complete, the tournament enters a more unpredictable stage. Teams have already revealed their strengths and weaknesses, and adjustments will become crucial as the race for the Final Four intensifies.

     

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