Lady Spikers going for the kill

MANILA, Philippines — A perfect season to slay the ghost of its past, end a rival’s dynasty and a chance to redeem lost glory is here for La Salle’s taking. 

And with momentum on their side, the Lady Spikers go for it all against the back-to-back titleholders National U Lady Bulldogs in Game 2 of the UAAP Season 88 women’s volleyball finals. 

“Nakauna na tayo so pangatawanan na natin,” said coach Ramil de Jesus as La Salle tries to sweep the best-of-three series at 5 p.m. at the Mall of Asia Arena. 

More than 15,000 fans witnessed La Salle’s 25-23, 25-18, 25-18 win in Game 1 for its 15th win in as many games this season, rolling the red carpet for what could be a fitting coronation. 

A win by the Lady Spikers would give them their second title in the last four seasons and 13th overall in 21 finals appearances – all under De Jesus, the winningest collegiate volleyball coach. La Salle also eyes a second season sweep in school history after doing it in 2004 (14-0) with an old format declaring the unbeaten team in the elims as champions.

The spikers from Taft could also put an end to the Lady Bulldogs’ young dynasty with five finals appearances in a row and three championships in that span, including the last two. 

But there’s more to it than those feats, a far bigger goal for De Jesus of burying the ghost of 2014.

“Ayoko nang maulit ‘yun,” he vowed, recalling La Salle’s infamous meltdown in 2014. “Na-sweep namin ‘yung elimination and then ’yung Ateneo, talagang gumapang hanggang dulo.”