DEFENDING champion La Salle outlasted National University, 15-25, 25-19, 18-25, 25-19, 15-12, in a thrilling rematch of last year’s UAAP women’s volleyball tournament Finals before 13,848 fans at the Smart Araneta Coliseum last night.

Shevana Laput had 20 points, including the match-sealing kill that lifted the Lady Spikers to their sixth win in seven matches.

“It was a pride. It was all about playing our best,” said Laput.

The matchday went on a one hour and a half delay due to a technical issue with the flooring where the pole stands are located.

The Lady Bulldogs, who drew 21 points from Alyssa Solomon and a 20-point, 20-dig outing by former MVP Bella Belen, dropped to 5-2.

Reigning MVP Angel Canino added 17 points, including two service aces, and seven digs while Em Provido had five blocks for a 13-point outing for La Salle.

“Hindi magiging madali ang laban natin. Ang sabi ko sa kanila all-out tato,” said Lady Spikers asssistant coach Noel Orcullo.

In the men’s division, titleholder NU ended the first round with six straight wins following a 25-20, 25-16, 23-25, 25-21 conquest of La Salle.

UST went through the wringer before beating Adamson, 25-18, 21-25, 25-19, 23-25, 15-10, for its second straight win.

Reigning MVP Josh Ybañez had 24 points, including two service aces, 26 receptions and six digs while GBoy de Vega was also solid for the Golden Spikers with 20 points and 20 receptions.

It was a character-building win for UST, which endured a three-match losing streak, including two five-setters, in the first round.

“Masaya ako kasi nga nakita ko sa mga teammates ko na gusto nilang manalo, and of course, ako rin. Nanalo kami as a team,” said Ybañez.

Leo Aringo had 20 points on 18-of-38 attacks and had two blocks while Jade Disquitado added 19 points and 13 receptions for the Bulldogs.

“Sa ngayon, yung team ko siyempre sobrang maganda ang itinatakbo namin sa pagkakapanalo namin ng anim na sunod-sunod although may mga konti pa rin kaming problema in terms of unforced errors. Pero, ang sabi ko nga, nasa timing naman minsan yung mga unforced error namin kaya nama-maximize din namin ang opensa namin,” said NU coach Dante Alinsununrin.

“Sana magtuloy-tuloy lang ang ginagawa namin pagdating sa game and sa practice kung ano yung adjustment na puwede naming gawin pagdating sa ganitong sitwasyon.

The Green Spikers, who were overwhelmed by the Bulldogs’ 18 blocks, saw their two-match winning streak snapped to settle for a 5-2 record in the first round.

JM Ronquillo scored 22 points, including two blocks, while Vince Maglinao was the other La Salle player in double digits with 13 points.

The Falcons, who led by Francis Casas with 15 points, including two blocks, dropped to 3-4 in sixth place.