By Ardyn Gonzales
There will no be a stepladder semifinals as the University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons stunned the erstwhile undefeated National University Lady Bulldogs in an upset five-setter win, 26-24, 23-25, 17-25, 25-23, 15-12, in the UAAP Season 87 women’s volleyball tournament, Wednesday at the FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan.
Down 1-2 in the match, UP needed to climb a 7-13 deficit in the fourth set before they forced a decider.
With momentum on their side, the Fighting Maroons capitalized on the errors and reception woes of NU in the fifth. Faced with another 11-12 disadvantage, Nina Ytang and Joan Monares unleashed a 4-0 run to complete the come-from-behind victory, and probably the biggest upset yet this season.
Ytang registered a career-high 30-point performance on 27 attacks and three kill blocks.
Other four players of UP also finished in double-digits, with Monares contributing 16 markers and Irah Jaboneta producing a triple-double with 10 points, 13 excellent digs, and 19 excellent receptions.
The Fighting Maroons remain on the haunt for a slot in the Final Four with a 4-5 standing.
Meanwhile, NU suffered their first defeat of the season, despite another MVP numbers from Bella Belen who finished with 16 attacks, five service aces, 13 excellent receptions, and 12 excellent digs.
Featured image courtesy of UAAP
Follow the writer on X: @sardynas
