De La Salle University reaffirmed its supremacy over long-time rival Ateneo de Manila University with a convincing 25-21, 25-17, 25-20 victory in Season 87 University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) women’s volleyball tournament on Wednesday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The spotlight was on Angel Canino, who was coming off a health scare after being hospitalized following the Lady Spikers’ grueling match against University of Santo Tomas (UST) last Saturday.

But Canino laid all doubts to rest as she showed up stronger, better than ever to deliver an outstanding performance along with Shevana Laput to strengthen La Salle’s hold of the second spot with a 7-3 win-loss record after starting the season with three losses in their first four matches.

Canino, the Season 85 Most Valuable Player, spearheaded the attack with 16 points, all from kills, while Laput contributed 14 points built on 12 attacks and two blocks for the Lady Spikers, who extended their winning streak over the Blue Eagles to 16 dating back to their championship showdown in Season 79 in 2017.

The Lady Spikers also completed a season sweep of the Blue Eagles, building on their four-set triumph in the first round last 12 March.

But more than that, the victory gave La Salle a crucial one-game lead over Far Eastern University (FEU), which is currently in third place with a 6-4 record.

“This was really our goal — to hold on to second place until the end so we can secure the twice-to-beat advantage,” Lady Spikers head coach Ramil de Jesus said.

“Hopefully, we can keep this momentum because this is one of our primary objectives.”

Ateneo made a late push in the third set, narrowing the gap to 20-18 after a crosscourt hit from AC Miner and an off-the-block attack from Alexa Montoro.

However, La Salle quickly regained control as Alleiah Malaluan delivered a clutch off-the-block hit and an ace, followed by a crosscourt strike from Canino to build a 23-18 advantage. A service error by Montoro and an off-speed attack from Canino sealed the victory for the Lady Spikers.

Ateneo, on the other hand, saw its three-game winning streak come to an end with their sixth loss in 10 matches. They will look to bounce back against UST on Saturday.

In the men’s side, the Green Spikers outlasted the Blue Eagles in dramatic fashion, 21-25, 25-18, 21-25, 25-22, 27-25, to secure a season sweep.

Noel Kampton, celebrating his 25th birthday, led La Salle with an explosive 27-point performance built on 23 attacks, three blocks, and one ace, along with 12 excellent receptions.

Ron Maglinao, who fueled La Salle’s fourth-set surge, finished with 22 points on 20 attacks and two blocks, along with 20 excellent receptions.

For Ateneo, Kennedy Batas, who fought through cramps in the fifth set, spearheaded the Blue Eagles with 26 points and 18 excellent receptions.

Salarzon added 20 points on 16 attacks, two blocks, and two aces, along with 32 excellent receptions, while Amil Pacinio contributed 18 points on 15 attacks, two aces and one block.