Romwel Anzures

De La Salle University rokie Vida Caringal (#17) against National University in UAAP Season 88 women’s volleyball. UAAP Media.

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ABS-CBN News

<div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1773587903843UAAP 88 WVB NU vs. DLSU- Vida Caringal-0913.jpeg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/>De La Salle University rokie Vida Caringal (#17) against National University in UAAP Season 88 women’s volleyball. UAAP Media.MANILA — De La Salle University leaned on another rookie as it dealt with the absence of one of its vital cogs anew, but Vida Caringal proved to be more than just a stand-in.</div>The De La Salle Lipa product started in place of Katrina Del Castillo, who was out due to illness, and put up nine points in an efficient 8-of-11 attacking clip as the Lady Spikers stunned two-time defending champion National University to end their UAAP Season 88 first-round campaign on Sunday.<div><a class="fr-strong" href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/sports/volleyball/2026/3/15/uaap-la-salle-overcomes-defending-champ-nu-to-complete-first-round-sweep-1920">READ: La Salle overcomes defending champ NU to complete first-round sweep</a></div>“It’s a big privilege na pinagkatiwalaan ako ni coach Ramil [De Jesus] na kaya ko mag-perform and lumaban para sa team,” said the 5-foot-11 Caringal as they ended a two-year skid to National U for their seventh victory in as many games.She was the latest La Salle rookie to make an immediate impact, with Eshana Nunag and Mikee Santos also delivering stellar games earlier in the season.However, Caringal emphasized that her performance was more than just a next-woman-up situation.“Tinitignan ko po siya na not taking a spot,” said Caringal. “May nagsabi rin po sa akin na I’m not supposed to fill in one’s shoes po, I have a shoe of my own, and I’ll walk with it po.”“Pumasok po ako sa game with that mentality,” she added.Least surprised was coach Ramil de Jesus, who said their rookies are indeed trusted with such opportunities to fast-track their development as La Salle seeks its first title in three years.“Itong season na ‘to, less talent kami. Karamihan ng mga rookies ko, from scratch,” the multi-titled mentor said. “Hindi talaga sila top recruits, so hinahabol talaga namin sila doon sa level ng mga seniors. Ang nakakatuwa lang, yung iba eh nagi-improve na.”De Jesus will now hope for continued production from Caringal and the rest of his rookies as La Salle resumes its campaign on Saturday, March 21.

#UAAPSeason88 | De La Salle University leaned on another rookie as it dealt with the absence of one of its vital cogs anew, but Vida Caringal proved to be more than just a stand-in.

#UAAPSeason88 | De La Salle University leaned on another rookie as it dealt with the absence of one of its vital cogs anew, but Vida Caringal proved to be more than just a stand-in.

UAAP: Caringal proves more than just a stand-in for sidelined Del Castillo

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UAAP: Caringal proves more than just a stand-in for sidelined Del Castillo

Rom Anzures,

ABS-CBN News

Published Mar 16, 2026 12:04 AM PHT

Read More:

Volleyball

UAAP

ABSSports

UAAP Season 88

UAAP Volleyball

De La Salle Lady Spikers

Vida Caringal

Ramil De Jesus

Angel Canino

Shevana Laput

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