LIVE: UAAP Season 88 volleyball Finals Game 1

• The openers of the UAAP Season 88 men’s and women’s volleyball Finals series open on Wednesday.

SCHEDULE: UAAP Season 88 volleyball Finals Game 1

May 6 – Wednesday – Mall of Asia Arena

12:00 p.m. – FEU Tamaraws vs NU Bulldogs (men’s finals)5:00 p.m. – La Salle Lady Spikers vs NU Lady Bulldogs (women’s finals)

UAAP: Stifled in Game 1, NU rookie Sam Cantada vows bounce back

MANILA, Philippines — Rookie sensation Sam Cantada received a rude welcome in her first UAAP Finals in the collegiate ranks after she was limited to just two points in National University’s Game 1 loss on Wednesday.

Cantada only converted one kill out of her 18 spike attempts and was benched in the third set as the defending champions Lady Bulldogs got swept by La Salle, 25-23, 25-18, 25-18, in the UAAP Season 88 women’s volleyball Finals opener.

“I feel overwhelmed. It’s my first time, but the ates are there to guide me,” said Cantada in Filipino. “I think it’s normal, especially for a first-timer like me,” she added.

Cantada, a presumptive Rookie of the Year winner, will be crowned in Game 2 before the Lady Bulldogs try to extend the championship series.

UAAP Finals: La Salle turns back NU in Game 1, nears season sweep

MANILA, Philippines — The La Salle Lady Spikers moved one step closer to a title redemption and a perfect campaign in the UAAP Season 88 women’s volleyball tournament.

The unbeaten Lady Spikers needed to shrug off some struggles early, but still proved too much for the National University Lady Bulldogs, sweeping Finals Game 1, 25-23, 25-18, 25-18 n Wednesday at Mall of Asia Arena.

After trailing 14-15 in the third set, La Salle scored nine straight points behind the trio of Angel Canino, Shane Reterta, and Amie Provido to cruise to a 23-15 lead.

Chamy Maaya halted the run, but Reterta won a joust to bring La Salle to match point, 24-16. Eshana Nunag then missed her serve, and although Arah Panique tried to extend the match, her attack went out as NU’s final challenge was unsuccessful.

La Salle, which got swept by NU last year, goes for a season sweep and title No.13 on Saturday in Game 2.

WATCH: La Salle coach Ramil De Jesus after bagging Game 1. #UAAPSeason88 | @LanceAgcaoilINQ

•⁠ Follow our live updates here: https://t.co/1oVIgKLv1u pic.twitter.com/Oywd7UKIiT

— INQUIRER Sports (@inquirersports) May 6, 2026

LIVE UPDATES: UAAP Season 88 women’s volleyball Finals Game 1 – La Salle vs NU

WATCH: Challenge unsuccessful as La Salle remains unbeaten in 15 games. #UAAPSeason88 | @LanceAgcaoilINQ

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— INQUIRER Sports (@inquirersports) May 6, 2026

• FINAL: La Salle sweeps defending champion NU in Finals Game 1, 25-23, 25-18, 25-18, in the UAAP women’s volleyball.
• La Salle at match point. 24-17, in the UAAP women’s volleyball.
• Chams Maaya stops La Salle’s 9-0 run. NU down 23-16.
• Amie Provido tip. 23-15 La Salle.
• Angel Canino from the back row! 22-15 for La Salle. 3 points away from Game 1 win.
• 6-0 run for La Salle. 20-15 now for the Lady Spikers.
• Provido block on Alinsug. 18-15 lead now for the Lady Spikers.
• La Salle back in the lead, 16-15.
• Lams Lamina to Chams Maaya, who converts a hit. NU back in the lead, 15-14.
• Shevana Laput with a drop. 13-all tie.
• La Salle within a point, 13-12.
• La Salle rallies to get back in the game, but NU still up 8-6.
• Back to back points for La Salle. Still 4-2 for NU.
• NU Lady Bulldogs responds with a strong 4-0 start in the third set.
• END OF SET 2: La Salle 25, NU 18. Canino with a power tip to end the set and give La Salle a 2-0 lead.
• Vange Alinsug keeping NU alive here in the second set. NU within four points, 22-18.
• Vange Alinsug cross court hit, but Lady Bulldogs down by five, 21-16.
• Amie Provido finds an opening, ending that rally. La Salle up 19-14.
• Arah Panique answers. NU still down 18-14.
• Another error from NU. La Salle leads 18-13.
• Angel Canino power hit. 16-13 for La Salle.
• Laput cross court sails out. La Salle holding on to a 13-12 advantage.
• Back to back points for La Salle to regain the lead 12-10.
• Alex Mata blocks Shevana Laput. Set 2 tied at 10.
• Arah Panique from the back row. NU crawling back, just down by one 10-9.
• Reterta down the line.  10-7 for La Salle.
• Maaya quick. NU down 9-7.
• Sam Cantada’ hit outside. La Salle leads 8-5. Technical timeout.
• La Salle, though, responds for a 7-4 lead.
• Vange Alinsug service ace. NU down by just one, 4-3.
• La Salle still leads 4-1.
• 2-0 start for the Lady Spikers.
• END OF SET 1: La Salle 25, NU 23. Amie Provido nails a quick attack to deliver the Set 1 win for La Salle
• Arah Panique saves a set point. La Salle still up 24-23.
• Sam Cantada error. La Salle at set point.
• Angel Canino monster hit against a single coverage. 23-22 for La Salle.
• Vange Alinsug well placed drop. 22-all.
• Monster block from Lilay Del Castillo to end a long rally. La Salle leads, 22-21.
• Tied again at 21-all. Crucial stretch in the first set.
• Vange Alinsug responds. Tied first set at 20-all.
• La Salle takes the lead for the first time, 20-19, after NU error.
• Reterta with a kill. Game tied at 19. 5-0 run for La Salle.
• Reterta scores. La Salle only down by one, 19-18.
• Back to back points for La Salle. Lady Spikers trail, 19-17.
• La Salle still playing catch up, but Amie Provido scores. 19-15 lead for NU.
• Sam Cantada service ace. NU up 17-14.
• Canino ace. La Salle within one, 15-14.
• Canino already with five points. NU lead down to 3, 14-11.
• Biggest lead for NU, 14-9, after an error from Shevana Laput.
• Canino cross court. La Salle still within four, 13-9.
• Instant point for La Salle after the timeout. Lady Archers still trailing 11-8.
• Another block for NU, courtesy of Mata. 11-7, NU.
• Vange Alinsug beats La Salle blockers. 9-6 lead, NU.
• 8-4 start for the Lady Bulldogs. Technical timeout.
• La Salle gets back in the game, but NU still leads 5-3.
• Fiery start for NU. 4-1 lead.

It’s on! La Salle and NU kick off #UAAPSeason88 Finals Game 1. @inquirersports pic.twitter.com/Kxb9PumVXJ

— Lance Agcaoili (@LanceAgcaoilINQ) May 6, 2026

• NU starting 6: Chamy Maaya, Alexa Mata, Arah Panique, Lams Lamina, Vanie Alinsug, Sam Cantada. Libero: Shaira Jardio.
• La Salle Starting 6: Amie Provido, Lilay del Castillo, Shevana Laput, Eshana Nunag, Angel Canino, Shane Reterta. Libero: Lyka De Leon.

The calm before the storm

La Salle Lady Spikers and NU Lady Bulldogs clash in Game 1 of the #UAAPSeason88 Finals at 5 p.m. | @LanceAgcaoilINQ

· Follow our live updates here: https://t.co/1oVIgKLv1u pic.twitter.com/K30DS5mTUO

— INQUIRER Sports (@inquirersports) May 6, 2026

UAAP men’s volleyball Finals: NU rallies to steal Game 1 vs FEU

MANILA, Philippines — Defending champion National University clinched Game 1 with a come-from-behind 21-25, 25-19, 21-25, 25-20, 15-8 win over Far Eastern University, moving closer to a historic ‘six-peat’ in the UAAP Season 88 men’s volleyball Finals on Wednesday at Mall of Asia Arena.

The Bulldogs built a formidable wall in the fifth set with Buds Buddin and Peng Taguibolos nailing the timely blocks for a 7-1 start before Leo Ordiales and Jade Disquitado pushed it to a 9-3 spread.

FEU responded with Amet Bituin providing the much-needed spark to cut the lead down to three, 9-6.

Leo Ordiales restored the order that led to a 6-2 run, with Taguibolos drilling a big block on Mikko Espartero and scoring the game-winning quick attack.

Jade Disquitado rose to the occasion with 21 points, 20 excellent receptions, and nine digs.

NU stays hungry as it tries to complete a ‘sixpeat’ in Game 2. #UAAPSeason88 | @LanceAgcaoilINQ

· Follow our live updates here: https://t.co/1oVIgKLv1u pic.twitter.com/3jjgBBkIxE

— INQUIRER Sports (@inquirersports) May 6, 2026

The Bulldogs talk about their comeback from a 1-2 match deficit #UAAPSeason88 | @LanceAgcaoilINQ

· Follow our live updates here: https://t.co/1oVIgKLv1u pic.twitter.com/PkPU9Z96k9

— INQUIRER Sports (@inquirersports) May 6, 2026

NU coach Dante Alinsunurin, Buds Buddin, Jade Disquitado, and Leo Ordiales after winning Game 1. #UAAPSeason88 | @LanceAgcaoilINQ

· Follow our live updates here: https://t.co/1oVIgKLv1u pic.twitter.com/bEi46dgM69

— INQUIRER Sports (@inquirersports) May 6, 2026

LIVE UPDATES: UAAP Season 88 men’s volleyball Finals Game 1 – FEU vs NU

• Jade Disquitado leads the NU Bulldogs with 21 attacks and 20 excellent receptions.
• FINAL: Defending champion NU steals Game 1 with a come-from-behind 21-25, 25-19, 21-25, 25-20, 15-8 win over FEU in the UAAPSeason 88 men’s volleyball finals.
• Taguibolos ends it for the Bulldogs!
• Disquitado scores! NU at match point. 14-8.
• 12-8 lead for NU after another Leo Ordiales off the block.
• Buds Buddin scores. 11-7 lead for NU.
• Big hit for Leo Ordiales to end FEU rally. 10-6 for NU.
• 3-0 run for FEU. Just a 3 point lead now for NU, 9-6.
• Bituin taking charge. FEU still alive, down 9-5.
• Disquitado hit out. 9-3 lead for NU.
• Saavedra scores. NU still with a big lead, 8-3.
• Commanding 7-1 lead for NU in the fifth set.
• Service errors continue to haunt FEU. NU leads 5-1.
• Buds Buddin with another single block. 4-0 lead for NU.
• Blazing 3-0 start for NU in the fifth set.
• We’re going to five sets!
• END OF SET 4: NU 25, FEU 20. The Bulldogs force a decider.
• Taguibolos puts NU at set point.
• Mendoza crucial service error for FEU. 23-20 for NU.
• FEU within two points, 22-20.
• Bituin service error, free point for NU. 22-18.
• Back to back points for FEU, cuts into NU lead, 21-18.
• Ordiales still not done. He has 10 in the fourth set. 20-15 for NU.
• FEU trying to stay alive in the fourth set. Tamaraws still down 18-14.
• Still a five point lead for NU, 15-10.
• Ordiales heating up. He has six points in the fourth set. 12-7 lead for NU.
• Ordiales again! 4-0 run for the Bulldogs. Biggest lead at 11-6.
• Buds Buddin follows up. 9-6 for NU.
• Leo Ordiales with a powerfull kill. NU still leads 8-6.
• Leo Ordiales kill! NU leads 6-4.
• 2-2 tie to start the fourth set.
• END OF SET 3: FEU 25, NU 21. The Tamaraws regain the lead, 2-1.
• Saavedra ace. FEU set point, 24-21.
• Mendoza with a single coverage block! FEU 23-21.
• FEU gains a  crucial 22-20 edge.
• Disquitado cross court. Tied game again! 20-all.
• FEU holding on to a 20-19 lead in the third set.
• Quick answer for FEU. 20-17 lead for the Tamaraws.
• Disquitado on a roll. NU ties set 3 at 17-17.
• FEU Tamaraws maintain a two point lead, 17-15.
• Four straight points for FEU gives them a 14-12 lead.
• Tamaraws, though, respond big to take the lead 13-12.
• FEU error and NU now in the lead, 11-10.
• Third set now tied at 10-all as Bulldogs rally.
• Tamaraws holding on to a 9-8 advantage.
• Saavedra crosscourt. He has 12. 5-3 lead for FEU.
• Leo Ordiales getting into momentum. 1-1 tie in the third set.
• END OF SET 2: NU 25, FEU 19. Bulldogs tie the Finals Game at one apiece.
• Leo Ordiales ends the third set with a hit.
• Buddin from the backrow. 23-17 NU.
• Leo Ordiales breakthrough kill. 22-16 for NU.
• Peng Taguibolos with a swing. NU Bulldogs up big, 21-15.
• NU back with a five point lead, 19-14.
• 3-1 rally from FEU Tamaraws. They’re trailing 15-12.
• Buddin from the back row. NU up, 14-9.
• Biggest lead for NU, 13-8.
• FEU fault puts NU back with a four point lead, 12-8.
• 3-1 run for the Tamaraws, but they’re still down 9-8.
• NU Bulldogs take an 8-5 advantage.
• 4-4 tie in the second set.
• END OF SET 1: FEU 25, NU 21.
• Saavedra gives FEU the set point, 24-21.
• FEU 23-20.
• Ndongala big block. Make it four straight points for the Tamaraws for the 21-19 lead.
• Bituin kill! FEU back in the lead 20-19.
• But FEU quickly answers with back to back points. 19-all in the first set.
• NU responds big to take the 19-17 advantage.
• Espartero drop. FEU leads 16-14.
• NU back to back points to pull within on, 14-13.
• Tamaraws with four straight points to regain the lead, 14-11.
• FEU ties the first set at 9-9.
• Buddin error. But NU still in the lead, 9-8.
• Mukaba keeps NU ahead, 5-3.
• Bulldogs take an early 4-2 advantage.
• 2-1 start for FEU.
• Starting unit for FEU: Ariel Cacao, Mikka Espartero, Dryx Saavedra, Lirick Mendoza, Doula Ndongala, Amet Bituin. Libero: Vennie Ceballos.
• Starting 6 for the defending champion NU: Greg Ancheta, Buds Buddin, Obed Mukaba, Jade Disquitado, Peng Taguibolos, Leo Ordiales. Libero: Jimwell Gaputlos.
• Players on the court for introductions.

UAAP Finals: La Salle opens championship bid vs NU

There is only one ending to the UAAP Season 88 women’s volleyball tournament that will be acceptable to La Salle.

Coming off a sweep of the elimination round to make the title series outright, a championship would be the only right reward for the effort of these intrepid Lady Spikers, even if the last time that they made the fight for the crown this way ended in total disaster.

“We don’t want a repeat of that nightmare, obviously,” coach Ramil de Jesus’ long-time assistant, Noel Orcullo, said in Filipino, referring to the debacle 12 years ago when La Salle had a thrice-to-beat advantage only to go down in flames against an upcoming phenom named Alyssa Valdez and the Ateneo Blue Eagles.

UAAP: Finding strength in tough season, NU books title berth

Every hardship, every stumble that National University had to endure in the UAAP Season 88 women’s volleyball tournament was something the Lady Bulldogs felt they needed to achieve their goal.

“[E]ver since this year started, it’s been very challenging for us; it wasn’t easy,” coach Regine Diego said.

Saturday was no different. Faced with a University of Santo Tomas squad that built momentum heading into their no-tomorrow Final Four showdown on a couple of do-or-die victories, the defending champions needed to reach for all those hardships before pulling out a 20-25, 26-24, 26-24, 25-21 victory at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

UAAP Finals: NU braces for ‘very challenging’ La Salle

National University setter Lams Lamina has been on the UAAP Finals stage before, and she is well aware of the challenge that lies ahead.

More importantly, she is familiar with what La Salle—the same team the Lady Bulldogs will meet again in the UAAP Season 88 women’s volleyball tournament Finals–brings to the table.

“It’s very challenging against La Salle,” said Lamina. “They’re complete and us, all we have to do is go back to the basics, prepare and do our usual preparation, mental and physical.”

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