Lilay Del Castillo Named Player of the Game as La Salle Continues UAAP Volleyball Domination — Inside the Rivalry That Never Gets Old

In one of college volleyball's most storied rivalries, Lilay Del Castillo stole the spotlight as she was named Player of the Game in DLSU's four-set dismantling of Ateneo on Sunday. The sophomore delivered 18 points to help power the Lady Spikers' juggernaut, which has now won 16 straight against the Blue Eagles.

The DLSU-Ateneo volleyball rivalry is one of the most passionate in Philippine collegiate sports, regularly drawing packed crowds to the Araneta Coliseum. Sunday was no different, with La Salle's Animo Squad and Ateneo's Blue Babble Battalion filling the stands with chants, cheers, and the occasional good-natured banter.

What makes this La Salle team so formidable is their depth. When Angel Canino (21 points) was the primary focus of Ateneo's defense, Del Castillo and Amie Provido (17 points) stepped up to distribute the offensive load. It's the kind of luxury most coaches dream of — multiple scorers who can take over on any given set.

For Ateneo, the 0-4 start is their worst since their rebuilding years. Ana Hermosura (18 points) and JLo Delos Santos (15 points) are doing their part, but the Blue Eagles lack the depth and offensive firepower to compete with the top teams. Their defensive grit in the second set, though, showed they're not going to roll over easily.

With La Salle sitting at a perfect 4-0, the question now is whether anyone can challenge them for the championship. The Lady Spikers haven't dropped a match since... well, nobody wants to think about that. For UAAP volleyball fans, the Lady Spikers' dominance is either thrilling or terrifying — depending on your school colors.

Source: The Manila Times / GMA News