With Batch 122 staying for one final year, DLSU is primed to compete for a second-straight UAAP title, while ensuring a proper transition for the next generation of Lady Spikers.
A cloud of uncertainty hovered over the DLSU Lady Spikers after their perfect run to the UAAP Season 88 women’s volleyball championship.
Although the road to redemption was complete, the veteran core of Angel Canino, Shevana Laput, Amie Provido, and Lyka de Leon were at a crossroads. Would they stick around for their title defense in Season 89? Or would they exit the Lady Spikers as champions after a four-year stay?
Fortunately, it didn’t take long for “Batch 122” to make a decision, as days after winning the title, the quartet announced their decision to play their fifth and final season for the Lady Spikers.
And for head coach Ramil de Jesus, it’s a development that’s just as valuable as their 13th UAAP women’s volleyball title.
“Ayun ‘yung pinakaswerteng natanggap ko na regalo mula sa mga seniors ko na nag-stay sila para sa team and hindi kaagad nagmadali mag-pro,” de Jesus said during the 2026 Collegiate Press Corps Awards Night.
With Batch 122 staying for one last dance, DLSU isn’t just primed for a title defense — it also ensures a smooth transition, as the likes of Eshana Nunag, Lilay del Castillo, and Shane Reterta take the reins after their departure.
“Binibigay ng seniors ‘yung ganong mentality na hindi pansarili ‘yung iniintindi, kung hindi ‘yung team,” de Jesus continued. “Kasi sa tingin nga nila, hindi mo na mababalikan ‘yung college days mo eh.”
“Mahabang bakasyon ‘yung ginawa nila kasi wala ka nang mahihiling sa mga bata pag talagang nag-focus…at ‘yun ‘yung siguro na nawala sa mga unang seniors ko na iba-iba ‘yung goal nila. Ito kasi, iisa ‘yung goal ng mga naiwan eh, magkakabatch din kasi sila.”
But the grind isn’t finished yet with Canino and Provido being eyed for Alas Pilipinas ahead of the Aichi-Nagoya 20th Asian Games in September. De Jesus sees this as a confidence booster for the pair before they return to the UAAP by next year.
Also named into Alas’ 22-woman pool are former Lady Spikers Mars Alba, Justine Jazareno, Dawn Macandili-Catindig, Alleiah, Malaluan, Thea Gagate, Fifi Sharma, and Erika Santos.
“Para sa akin, ‘yung Asian Games, parang every four years lang ‘yun, kaya sabi ko sa kanila ‘gusto ko ‘yun para sa inyo para mas ma-build ‘yung confidence ninyo’,” he said. “Siguro deserving sila at may nakita na potential sa mga bata, at nung nakita nila na makakatulong, kinuha.”
Images courtesy of the UAAP Media Bureau.
Frequently Asked Questions
Batch 122 of the DLSU Lady Spikers includes veteran volleyball players Angel Canino, Shevana Laput, Amie Provido, and Lyka de Leon. The quartet anchored De La Salle University’s championship run in UAAP Season 88 before electing to return for their final year of collegiate eligibility.
The return of Batch 122 allows DLSU head coach Ramil de Jesus to execute a stable competitive transition. Senior players pass down the program’s championship mentality to emerging athletes like Eshana Nunag, Lilay del Castillo, and Shane Reterta, preserving systemic continuity for future seasons.
Current Lady Spikers Angel Canino and Amie Provido were selected alongside former DLSU stars Mars Alba, Justine Jazareno, Dawn Macandili-Catindig, Alleiah Malaluan, Thea Gagate, Fifi Sharma, and Erika Santos for the 22-woman Alas Pilipinas pool ahead of the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games.
Head coach Ramil de Jesus supported the selection because competing in elite international tournaments like the Asian Games builds player confidence. He notes that facing high-level overseas competition develops tactical maturity that directly elevates their performance during the domestic collegiate season.
Head coach Ramil de Jesus has guided the De La Salle University Lady Spikers to 13 UAAP women’s volleyball championship titles. His program secured its 13th crown during UAAP Season 88 before launching the Season 89 title defense with his returning core.
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