For the third straight season, the De La Salle Lady Spikers emerged as queens of UAAP volleyball.
The defending champions extended their reign after taking down the Far Eastern University Lady Tamaraws in straight sets, 26-24, 25-20, 26-24, on Wednesday at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum.
This is La Salle's 11th title, all under the mentorship of Ramil De Jesus who has steered the school to 18 finals appearances in two decades.
"We did not let the opportunity slip away. In situations like these, when the opportunity comes that we can win it, we refuse to let it go," said De Jesus. "We were able to get Game 1, so before Game 2, I told them that we shouldn't allow the series to reach Game 3."
Graduating players Dawn Macandili, Kianna Dy, and Majoy Baron made the most out of their final UAAP games.
Macandili was named Finals MVP after averaging 22.5 digs and 10.5 receptions in the series. Dy led all scorers in Game 2 with 19 points built on 16 spikes, two blocks, and an ace, while Baron provided ten markers.
Dy willed La Salle to an opening set victory, almost single-handedly pushing her team past a 21-24 disadvantage. The Lady Tamaraws failed to take care of the lead, which set the tone for the rest of the match.
The Lady Spikers recovered from early deficits and found ways to take control. Their championship experience was in full display in the third set. They pulled away midway through and reached match point, 24-21, thanks to a service ace from Michelle Cobb.
FEU made one final push, sparked by Jerrili Malabanan, to force a 24-all deuce. Dy pushed La Salle back on top, then Tin Tiamzon clinched the trophy with an off-speed hit.
Bernadeth Pons, who supplied 17 points for the Lady Tamaraws in the loss, ended her collegiate career with a runner-up finish.