UAAP: Lilay Del Castillo shows wares as La Salle defense anchor
La Salle’s Lilay Del Castillo reacts during a game against Ateneo in UAAP Season 88 women’s volleyball.–UAAP PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines — Lilay Del Castillo put on a defensive masterclass to spark La Salle’s victory over Ateneo in the UAAP Season 88 women’s volleyball tournament on Sunday.
Del Castillo dominated the net with eight kill blocks–the most by a Lady Spiker since Celine Hernandez registered nine in a five-set win over Adamson back in December 2007. Ateneo’s Maddie Madayag holds the UAAP record with 11, which she set in Season 81.
READ: UAAP: Minus Shevana Laput, La Salle drops a set but still beats Ateneo
Lilay Del Castillo on her eight blocks. #UAAPSeason88 @inquirersports pic.twitter.com/hee4PcvmZa
— Lance Agcaoili (@LanceAgcaoilINQ) March 1, 2026
The 5-foot-11 Del Castillo finished with 18 points to help La Salle stay unbeaten in four games following a 25-14, 21-25, 25-15, 25-17 win over Ateneo.
“Being proud might even be an understatement. I’m not really someone who easily acknowledges my own achievements because I always feel like that’s what’s expected of me,” she said in Filipino.
“That’s the performance and contribution I should be giving since I’m already part of the team’s core. I’m not someone who should be carried anymore. I believe I’m already in a position where I can help carry the team.”
The third-year middle blocker is eager to meet the high expectations this year.
“That’s how the coaches and the ates trained me. This time, this is my floor, my chance to help them reach whatever big goal we have. I believe I can contribute. That’s really the standard we try to live by,” she said.
READ: UAAP: Experience, depth anchor La Salle’s perfect start
Del Castillo deflected the credit to her teammates, led by Alas Pilipinas stars Angel Canino and Amie Provido as they continue to miss captain Shevana Laput due to an illness.
“I don’t think I can credit that to myself alone. I also give credit to our wing spikers because I wouldn’t be able to get those blocks if they weren’t matching up well and reading the plays properly. Those eight blocks are for them, too, because I couldn’t have done that without their support,” she said.
“It also comes from the trust of my teammates from the receive, the dig, then the set from Eshana (Nunag), and the confidence they give me to finish the sequence. It’s really a team effort. I’m just grateful I was given the opportunity to perform like that. I grabbed it because I know how hard our coaches work with us and how patient they are, so it’s also about showing that effort back.”
Del Castillo said her performance will also serve as an inspiration to keep improving and a reminder of what she’s capable of.
“It’s something I’ll always carry with me. Since we didn’t have a preseason, that was probably our biggest challenge. We didn’t have anything to hold on to,” said Del Castillo. “So whenever I feel weak or doubt myself, this is something I can lean on, especially during training. Our practices and preparations are really tough, so moments like this mean a lot.”
