By Ardyn Gonzales
After a lopsided loss against La Salle, the University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons bounced back, stunning the defending champions National University Lady Bulldogs, 16-25, 16-25, 25-22, 31-29, 18-16, in the UAAP Season 88 women’s volleyball tournament, Saturday at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion in Manila City.
It was like a repeat of last season as UP was also the team who handed NU their first loss via a come-from-behind win.
The Lady Bulldogs actually dominated the Fighting Maroons in the first two sets, capitalizing on their fast tempo to disrupt the system of UP.
However, the Fighting Maroons responded in the third, establishing a huge lead halfway through the set, and even survived the late 7-0 run of NU, to extend the match.
The defending champs actually had plenty of chances to seal the victory as they were up 19-13 in the fourth, before they reached match point at 24-21. However, Arah Panique wasn’t able to convert as the Fighting Maroons took advantage of her tentative attacks to force a deuce, and after a series of exchanges of points, to extend the match to a decider.
In the fifth set, the Fighting Maroons were once again down 13-9, before they pulled off a massive 7-3 run to complete the reverse sweep. UP was able to save nine match points of NU before they were able to get their third win this season.
Three-time best middle blocker Nina Ytang proved to be the heart and soul of the UP Squad, finishing with 18 points on 10 attacks and seven kill blocks. The California Academy duo of Casiey Dongallo and Gelai Gajero also significantly contributed to the dramatic upset, tallying 20 and 19 points, respectively.
UP’s decision to convert Irah Jaboneta to a libero also paid off as she anchored their defense with 13 excellent digs and 16 excellent receptions.
Meanwhile, team captain Vange Alinsug led NU with 20 points as they suffered their first defeat early this season.
UP (3-1) will be tested again as they face another Final Four contender FEU (1-2) while NU (3-1) will hope to regain momentum against Ateneo (0-3).
Featured image courtesy of UAAP
Follow the writer on X: @sardynas
