Heartbreak fuels La Salle’s dominant UAAP title redemption

Amie Provido, left, Angel Canino and Shevana Laput share a moment after helping La Salle reclaim the UAAP women’s volleyball championship.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines — Amie Provido felt fulfilled after the La Salle Lady Spikers redeemed themselves with a perfect championship run in UAAP Season 88 a year after getting swept by National University in the finals.

Provido’s first finals as La Salle’s main middle blocker ended in heartbreak at the hands of the Lady Bulldogs, who were then led by Bella Belen and Alyssa Solomon.

This time, Provido made sure not to experience the same fate as she helped La Salle hammer out a dominant sweep of NU on Saturday to clinch the school’s 13th crown before 22,509 fans at Mall of Asia Arena.

READ: UAAP Finals: La Salle dethrones NU to complete perfect title run

Angel Canino and Amie Provido on reclaiming the UAAP glory for La Salle. #UAAPSeason88 @inquirersports pic.twitter.com/oSGkRLuK0h

— Lance Agcaoili (@LanceAgcaoilINQ) May 9, 2026

“I’m so overjoyed right now that I honestly can’t fully explain what I’m feeling,” said Provido in Filipino after finishing with nine points, including a booming quick attack and an ace that sent DLSU at championship point in Game 2

“Coming from last season, we all carried a lot of pain and motivation because we never wanted to experience that kind of heartbreak again. That became our driving force this season. We really wanted to win the championship, and we finally did.”

After a title run in Season 85, the Lady Spikers came up short the next two seasons. And that provided Provido and her teammates more than enough fuel to regain their glory.

“We just focused on ourselves, on each other, and on what really mattered to the team. We didn’t pay attention to the outside noise because we believed that nothing is impossible,” said Provido, who also delivered in Game 1 with 12 points, highlighted by four blocks.

READ: UAAP: Angel Canino, La Salle seniors undecided on future after perfect title run

“As long as the ball is still in play, anything can happen. This season was our statement that nothing is impossible and we can bring the championship back to La Salle.”

La Salle coach Ramil De Jesus lauded Provido and her batchmates for staying locked in all season long in winning it all. He also believed that Provido and Angel Canino’s Alas Pilipinas experience took their games to the next level.

“I’m very happy to be part of Coach Ramil’s legacy and his 13th championship. I’m also really happy for Coach Ramil because of all the sacrifices and help he gave us throughout the season,” said Provido.