By Ardyn Gonzales
The University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons brought the fight to complete a massive upset win against the Far Eastern University, 23-25, 25-23, 25-17, 25-23, in the UAAP Season 87 women’s volleyball tournament, Wednesday, at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City.
After narrowly losing the opening frame, the Fighting Maroons regrouped and won the next three sets, particularly in third where they dominated the Lady Tamaraws from start to finish.
With UP having the 2-1 advantage in the match, FEU responded and quickly built a 14-7 lead in the fourth set.
However, knowing the Lady Tamaraws’ capacity to mount a comeback if they forced a fifth, the Lady Maroons slowly caught up and eventually forced a 19-all deadlock with Joan Monares and Niña Ytang doing the damage supported by the crucial attacks from Kassy Doering.
FEU momentarily stopped the UP run, but the Fighting Maroons answered back with two consecutive attacks, followed by a big block of Kianne Olango on Chenie Tagaod. Ytang then completed the upset with a well-placed drop ball just behind the FEU blockers.
Monares led UP anew with 19 points on 17 attacks and two service aces, while the rookie and former juniors MVP Olango had another breakout performance with 17 markers including 13 attacks, three kill blocks, and a service ace.
Two-time best middle blocker Ytang also contributed 15.
Meanwhile, after a strong victory over UST in their first game this season, the Lady Tamaraws suffered an early loss in the elimination round. The rookie Clarisse Loresco led FEU with 11 points.
It is UP’s first back-to-back wins post-pandemic period and will hope to go for a 3-0 record against Ateneo. FEU will try to bounce back against the defending champions.
Featured image courtesy of UAAP
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