Relive the highlights of UAAP Season 87 Volleyball! From DLSU’s championship comeback to breakout stars like Angel Canino and Faith Nisperos—here’s who ruled the court in 2025.
By Miya Kassandra Lee | Campus Sports Correspondent, PH Sport News
June 9, 2025 – Manila, Philippines
The curtains have closed on UAAP Season 87, and what a season it was! From heart-stopping rallies to historic rivalries renewed, this year’s volleyball tournament delivered high drama, elite talent, and unforgettable performances. Packed arenas and millions of livestream viewers proved once again that UAAP volleyball isn’t just a collegiate sport—it’s a cultural phenomenon.
So, who ruled the court in Season 87? Let’s break it down. 🏐🔥
👑 Champions: DLSU Lady Spikers Reclaim the Crown
After a rollercoaster season, the De La Salle University Lady Spikers returned to glory, clinching the UAAP Season 87 championship in a thrilling 5-set match against the defending champions, NU Lady Bulldogs.
Led by a matured and determined Angel Canino, and the ever-reliable Thea Gagate at the net, La Salle proved they could handle the pressure and rise when it mattered most. Their championship run was marked by grit, chemistry, and a signature “fight ‘til the end” mentality.
🥈 Runner-Up: NU Lady Bulldogs
The National University Lady Bulldogs, though falling short in the finals, showcased exceptional depth and resilience. With standouts like Bella Belen, Alyssa Solomon, and setter Joyme Cagande, they remained the most consistent team in the eliminations and showed flashes of dominance throughout the season.
🌟 Breakout Star: Faith Nisperos (Ateneo de Manila University)
Even with Ateneo falling short of a Final Four berth, Faith Nisperos turned heads with her all-around brilliance. Her power, poise, and leadership anchored a young Blue Eagles squad. Her performances this season will be remembered as one of the brightest highlights in Ateneo’s rebuild era.
💥 Top Contenders: UST and FEU Show Grit
- UST Golden Tigresses, led by Eya Laure and Imee Hernandez, reached the Final Four and remained crowd favorites for their fiery playstyle and loud, loyal fan base.
- FEU Lady Tamaraws stunned many with a semi-final push, proving their program’s rebuild is right on track.
🧠 Best Coach: Ramil de Jesus (DLSU)
Back at the helm, Coach Ramil de Jesus showed why he’s still the master tactician. His leadership, mid-game adjustments, and motivational edge pushed DLSU back to the top.
🏆 Season 87 Awardees (Women’s Division)
- Season MVP: Angel Canino (DLSU)
- Rookie of the Year: Camile Victoria (Adamson)
- Best Setter: Joyme Cagande (NU)
- Best Libero: Justine Jazareno (DLSU)
- Best Opposite Spiker: Alyssa Solomon (NU)
🔥 Final Thoughts
UAAP Season 87 reminded us why we love this game. It gave us new legends, emotional finales, and fierce rivalries that fueled fan passion from Katipunan to Taft. But more than that, it showed us that Filipina collegiate volleyball is deeper, stronger, and more exciting than ever.
With the next generation already making waves, the future of Philippine volleyball looks brighter than ever.
⚠️ Disclaimer: This coverage is for educational and sports journalism purposes. PH Sport News supports student-athlete development, gender equity, and responsible fan engagement.
Miya Kassandra Lee is a passionate gamer, seasoned writer, and lifelong sports fanatic. A proud Mobile Legends player and strategist, Miya has spent the past 16 years covering everything from esports tournaments to iGaming trends and sports headlines across Southeast Asia. With her deep knowledge of digital gaming culture and a flair for storytelling, she has become a trusted voice in the gaming and sports blogging scene.
Whether it’s breaking down the latest MLBB meta, reviewing new online casino platforms, or live-tweeting a championship game, Miya brings energy, insight, and a player’s perspective to every piece she writes. When she’s not grinding the ranks in-game or drafting her next feature, you’ll find her cheering courtside, hosting gaming streams, or diving deep into the latest game patches.
“Gaming isn’t just a hobby—it’s a lifestyle. And I’m here to tell those stories.”