La Salle vs NU Women’s Volleyball Lineup Update: UAAP Season 88

Summary

The La Salle vs NU women's volleyball lineup update is one of the most anticipated news of every UAAP season — and in Season 88, the stakes are higher than ever. After the De La Salle University Lady Spikers finished...

11 min read

The La Salle vs NU women’s volleyball lineup update is one of the most anticipated news of every UAAP season — and in Season 88, the stakes are higher than ever. After the De La Salle University Lady Spikers finished the elimination round with an impressive 14-0 sweep, their showdown against the National University Lady Bulldogs in the Finals became the center of attention for the entire volleyball-loving Philippines. Every update on the lineup of the two teams has a profound impact on who will become the champion of Season 88.

In SummaryIn UAAP Season 88, the La Salle Lady Spikers finished the elimination round with a perfect 14-0 record before facing the NU Lady Bulldogs in the Finals. La Salle won Finals Game 1 with scores of 25-23, 25-18, 25-18, led by Angel Canino with 17 points — but NU came back to assert their right to the championship. The lineup battle between Angel Canino and Shevana Laput (La Salle) and Bella Belen and Sam Cantada (NU) sets the tone for the entire series.

The History of La Salle vs NU Rivalry in UAAP Women’s Volleyball

The La Salle vs NU women’s volleyball lineup update cannot be understood without the context of their long-standing rivalry. For many years, the two programs have been major forces in UAAP women’s volleyball. In Season 87, according to a report by the Philippine Daily Inquirer, NU won their first encounter against La Salle with scores of 25-23, 25-21, 25-18, led by Bella Belen with 14 points. Season 87 ended with NU’s second consecutive championship, setting the stage for a more intense Season 88 rematch.

Complete La Salle vs NU Women’s Volleyball Lineup Update for Season 88

Here is the most complete La Salle vs NU women’s volleyball lineup update for UAAP Season 88. According to a report by GMA Network, in La Salle’s first-round sweep game against NU (25-21, 25-19, 19-25, 25-17), the key players were as follows:

La Salle top scorer (Elimination Sweep vs NU)Shevana Laput — 19 pts (GMA Network, 2026)
Angel Canino, Finals Game 1 (La Salle)17 points (Rappler, 2026)
NU top scorer (Elimination vs La Salle)Sam Cantada — 13 pts (GMA Network, 2026)
Attendance at 14-0 sweep clincher (SM MoA Arena)19,419 spectators (Tiebreaker Times, 2026)

La Salle Lady Spikers: Key Players and Their Roles

Based on data from GMA Network and reports from Rappler, the La Salle lineup in Season 88 consists of the following key players:

  • Angel Canino — main outside hitter; 17 points in Finals Game 1 from 15 successful attacks, 1 block, and 1 service ace
  • Shevana Laput — led the elimination sweep game vs NU with 19 points from 15 attacks, 3 blocks, and 1 ace; also recorded 8 digs
  • Mikole Reyes — rookie setter praised by head coach Ramil de Jesus for her significant contribution to the team’s journey to the Finals
  • Amie Provido — part of the frontline that La Salle relies on for blocking against NU
  • Lilay Del Castillo — another key player in the frontline and blocking system of the Lady Spikers

NU Lady Bulldogs: Key Players and Their Roles

According to reports from Manila Bulletin and One Sports, the NU lineup in the Season 87-88 period includes:

  • Bella Belen — superstar of the Lady Bulldogs; 14 points in Season 87 opener vs La Salle and 23 points in the second encounter of Season 87 (17 attacks, 4 blocks, 2 aces, 17 excellent receptions)
  • Sam Cantada — led NU in the Season 88 elimination game vs La Salle with 13 points (10 attacks, 2 blocks, 1 ace)
  • Lams Lamina — more experienced setter of NU considered an advantage in the setter battle against rookie Mikole Reyes of La Salle
  • Vange Alinsug — one of NU’s regular starters included in the Season 87 Finals lineup
  • Alyssa Solomon (Season 87) — 13 points in Season 87 opener vs La Salle; she was part of NU’s championship team
Important to KnowThe setter battle between Mikole Reyes (La Salle) and Lams Lamina (NU) is considered by experts and analysts as one of the most crucial aspects of the La Salle vs NU women’s volleyball lineup update in Season 88. Lamina’s experience compared to Reyes’ courage adds a unique dimension to the matchup.

Head-to-Head Record: La Salle vs NU Women’s Volleyball

To better understand the current lineup update, it’s important to look at the recent head-to-head record of the two teams. According to data gathered from reports by the Philippine Daily Inquirer and Tiebreaker Times:

GameScoreWinnerTop Scorer
UAAP S87 — First Encounter25-23, 25-21, 25-18NUBella Belen (14 pts)
UAAP S87 — Second Encounter25-19, 22-25, 25-20, 25-18NUBella Belen (23 pts)
UAAP S87 Finals Game 225-19, 25-18, 25-19NU (Champion)Bella Belen
UAAP S88 — First Round Sweep25-21, 25-19, 19-25, 25-17La SalleShevana Laput (19 pts)
UAAP S88 — 14-0 Clincher27-25, 15-25, 23-25, 25-23, 15-13La SalleAngel Canino
UAAP S88 Finals Game 125-23, 25-18, 25-18La SalleAngel Canino (17 pts)
“La Salle entered the Finals of Season 88 with a perfect 14-0 elimination record — a sign that their lineup is fully prepared for the championship battle against NU.”

Lineup Analysis: Key Matchups in La Salle vs NU

Based on data from the Philippine Daily Inquirer Finals preview, there are several critical matchups that determine the outcome of each La Salle vs NU women’s volleyball game. Coach Ramil de Jesus mentioned the importance of the Lady Spikers’ frontline and blocking system.

PositionLa SalleNUAdvantage
Outside HitterAngel CaninoBella BelenEven — both elite scorers
Middle Blocker / FrontlineAmie Provido, Lilay Del CastilloSam CantadaLa Salle (more powerful blocking system)
SetterMikole Reyes (rookie)Lams Lamina (experienced)NU (experience)
Libero / ReceptionAngel Canino (10 rec in key game)Bella Belen (17 exc receptions)NU (stronger reception)
Overall DepthVange Alinsug (and others)Balanced squadNU (more Finals experience)
Women's volleyball players competing in a large arena filled with spectators

The Role of Head Coaches in La Salle vs NU Women’s Volleyball Lineup Update

The lineup update cannot be separated from the tactics of the head coaches. Ramil de Jesus of La Salle and Sherwin Meneses of NU are the two keys to how each team’s lineup will change in every game. According to GMA Network, Meneses provided a successful coaching return in Season 87 when NU defeated La Salle in the Season 87 opener.

One of the most discussed lineup decisions by De Jesus is trusting rookie setter Mikole Reyes instead of training a more proven player in the position. According to the Inquirer Finals preview, the coach praised Reyes’ contribution in bringing the team to the Finals — a testament to the young setter’s ability.

Why It MattersCoach Ramil de Jesus’ decision to trust rookie setter Mikole Reyes reflects La Salle’s philosophy: building a lineup based on ability, not just experience. This is one of the most discussed aspects of the La Salle vs NU women’s volleyball lineup update in Season 88.

The La Salle vs NU women’s volleyball lineup update shows some clear trends between Season 87 and Season 88. Based on reports from ABS-CBN Sports, La Salle has shown a dramatic change from their past against NU, as this is their first win against the Lady Bulldogs after five consecutive losses.

  • La Salle: More aggressive blocking system, stronger frontline through Provido and Del Castillo; Angel Canino has become a more consistent anchor of the offense
  • NU: Remains strong in reception and defense, led by Bella Belen; Lams Lamina provides stability in playmaking
  • Both teams: Show a willingness to play long rallies and multi-set battles, increasing excitement in every encounter
“Season 88 has proven that La Salle is no longer just reacting — they are building their own winning system, while NU maintains championship status through experience and roster depth.”

Where to Watch La Salle vs NU Women’s Volleyball

For fans who want to watch the game live, according to the Manila Standard, all games are aired on the Pilipinas Live app, One Sports, and the UAAP Varsity Channel. For those who want to follow the next La Salle vs NU women’s volleyball lineup update and live coverage, these are the official platforms to watch. The games are usually held at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.

Frequently Asked Questions about La Salle vs NU Women’s Volleyball Lineup Update

Who are the key players for La Salle in the matchup vs NU?

Based on Season 88 data, Angel Canino and Shevana Laput are La Salle’s key players. Canino contributed 17 points in Finals Game 1, while Laput led the elimination sweep game vs NU with 19 points. According to reports from Rappler and GMA Network, the two remain the Lady Spikers’ main offensive threats.

Who is the most dangerous player for NU against La Salle?

Bella Belen remains NU’s most dangerous player. In the Season 87 period, she managed to score 14 points in the first encounter and 23 points in the second match, along with 17 excellent receptions. Her ability to contribute to both offense and reception drives the Lady Bulldogs’ system.

What was the result of the UAAP Season 88 Finals between La Salle and NU?

La Salle won Finals Game 1 of Season 88 with scores of 25-23, 25-18, 25-18. After this victory, La Salle moved closer to the championship, but NU reasserted their right to be champions. The result of the entire series is one of the most anticipated news of UAAP Season 88.

When is the next La Salle vs NU women’s volleyball game?

The schedules for UAAP women’s volleyball are released by UAAP itself and the official broadcast partners. For the most updated La Salle vs NU women’s volleyball lineup update and schedule, visit the official UAAP website or the Pilipinas Live app, One Sports, and UAAP Varsity Channel. The games are usually held at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.

Which lineup is stronger in blocking — La Salle or NU?

According to the Inquirer Finals preview, La Salle builds its advantage in blocking through its frontline of Amie Provido and Lilay Del Castillo. However, NU has its own strong middle blockers through Sam Cantada and other players. The blocking battle between the two teams is one of the most intense aspects of their matchup.

How can I find the latest La Salle vs NU women’s volleyball lineup update?

For the latest lineup updates, follow the official media partners of UAAP such as Rappler, GMA Network, Philippine Daily Inquirer, ABS-CBN Sports, Tiebreaker Times, and Manila Bulletin. Coach press conferences and pre-game reports are usually included by these publications before each game.

Summary and Conclusion

The La Salle vs NU women’s volleyball lineup update for UAAP Season 88 showcases one of the most notable changes in the history of the rivalry: La Salle has returned stronger, more organized, and with a new generation of players ready to face championship pressure. From the impressive 14-0 elimination sweep to the Finals Game 1 victory, the Lady Spikers prove that their lineup has reached the highest level of competition. For more coverage of volleyball and other Filipino sports, continue to follow Balita Sports. You can also read our article about the 2026 PVL Draft and the latest news in PVL for a more complete picture of the Philippine volleyball scene in 2026.

References

Share your love
Avatar photo

Mark Reyes

Mark Reyes is a seasoned sports journalist covering the Philippine basketball and volleyball scenes. With over a decade of experience, he provides in-depth match analysis and breaking news on the PBA, UAAP, and Gilas Pilipinas.

Articles: 323