UAAP explains controversial net touch call in La Salle-NU duel
SCHEDULE: UAAP Season 88 volleyball tournament – second round
La Salle Lady Spikers react to a call during a game against NU Lady Bulldogs in the UAAP Season 88 women’s volleyball tournament. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines –Controversy marked the end of La Salle’s five-set win over National University in the UAAP Season 88 women’s volleyball tournament on Sunday at Mall of Asia Arena.
The Lady Spikers were holding on to a 14-13 lead in the fifth set when they were called for a four-touch violation that could’ve sent the game to a 14-all deadlock.
Coach Ramil De Jesus instead requested a block touch challenge, but it was unsuccessful.
NU Lady Bulldogs waiting the review during a game against La Salle Lady Spikers in the UAAP Season 88 women’s volleyball tournament. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
Instead of NU being awarded the point off La Salle’s failed challenge, game referees instead saw a different infraction–a net touch committed by the Lady Bulldogs’ Arah Panique.
That officials’ call sealed La Salle’s victory and sweep.
UAAP volleyball commissioner Mike Verano clarified the sequence of calls, saying the net touch violation on Panique came before La Salle’s four-touch violation and subsequent challenge.
‘THE FIRST INFRACTION WAS THE NET TOUCH’
UAAP women’s volleyball commissioner Mike Verano explains the endgame technicality between La Salle and NU.
According to Verano, NU’s net touch was the first infraction, making it the final call. #UAAPSeason88 | @MeloFuertesINQ pic.twitter.com/NVJBUP9V3X
— INQUIRER Sports (@inquirersports) April 19, 2026
“Upon review of our video challenge, there was no block touch, however, there was a net touch, which was another infraction,” he said.
“He (Ramil De Jesus) conveyed that information to our first referee. There was no block touch, the challenge [was] unsuccessful, but there was another infraction, which was a net touch on NU.”
“If you look at the video, the initial infraction is what’s called. So when the arm hit the net, the ball was still in play. La Salle hasn’t touched it yet for the fourth touch,” Verano also said.
