By Ardyn Gonzales
The University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons remain in contention of a tight Final Four race after slaying another Final Four giant, winning over the De La Salle University Lady Spikers in five sets, 26-24, 18-25, 18-25, 25-22, 16-14, in the UAAP Season 87 women’s volleyball tournament, Sunday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.
The Fighting Maroons escaped a 21-24 deficit in the opening set with a 5-0 run but faced back-to-back set losses to run into a 1-2 disadvantage.
With a close fourth set, UP wasted no chances as Kassy Doering and Joan Monares joined efforts to force a decider. A crucial block by Monares followed by a sharp crosscourt kill ended the fourth set in UP’s favor.
Momentum seemed to have stayed on the side of the Fighting Maroons in the fifth set, weathering a Shevana Laput-Angel Canino frontline to start with an 8-4 lead, which they were able to extend to 13-9.
La Salle responded with a counter 5-1 run to force a deuce. However, Doering once again put UP at match point after swiping her attack off the blockers. Another clutch hit from Monares completed the massive upset win, earning them a fighting chance to be in the semifinals.
Monares led the Fighting Maroons with 16 points, as three other players also finished in double digits: Doering with 15, Kianne Olango with 14, and Nina Ytang with 11.
After clinching statement wins over Final Four contenders FEU, NU, and La Salle, UP needs to win over UST and Adamson to at least force a playoff for a spot in the semifinals.
Meanwhile, Shevana Laput and Angel Canino’s 27 and 25 points, respectively, were wasted as La Salle’s plan of securing a twice-to-beat advantage was derailed by the loss. The Lady Spikers will face Shaina Nitura and the streaking Adamson before the conclude the eliminations with another showdown with FEU.
Featured image courtesy of UAAP
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