With University of the Philippines’ Final Four aspirations hanging by a thread, the Fighting Maroons found timely relief in Joan Monares, rookie standout Kianne Olango, and American middle blocker Kassandra Doering, who helped keep their slim postseason hopes alive in the UAAP Season 87 Women’s Volleyball Tournament.
Powered by the trio’s contributions, UP pulled off another stunning upset, toppling De La Salle University in five thrilling sets, 26-24, 18-25, 19-25, 25-22, 16-14, on Sunday at the SMART Araneta Coliseum.
The victory not only kept UP’s dream of ending a six-year Final Four drought alive, but also spoiled the Lady Spikers’ first attempt at securing their 15th straight postseason appearance.
Reeling from a tough loss to Far Eastern University, the Fighting Maroons bounced back in dramatic fashion, improving to a 6-6 record with two games left in the eliminations.
However, the job is far from done for UP. To strengthen their Final Four bid over contenders like UST (8-4) and FEU (8-5), the Maroons must secure victories in their last two assignments: against the Golden Tigresses on Wednesday, April 23, at the SM Mall of Asia Arena, and against the Adamson Lady Falcons on Sunday, April 27, at the Big Dome.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
“Maganda yung nagawa. May mga parts na nawawala sa plano, so medyo napapasigaw tayo doon, pero bumabalik naman. Simple lang naman yung laro ‘eh, susunod lang naman sa game plan, and I think, magco-connect lahat doon,” said UP head coach Benson Bocboc, who led the Fighting Maroons to their first win over the Lady Spikers since Season 81 in 2019 after suffering seven straight losses.
“Roller coaster na naman, pero good thing na nag-work sila in crucial times yung mga ine-expect na gagawa.”
After a Monares attack went wide to lock the fifth set at 4-all, UP remained composed in the clutch, uncorking a pivotal 6-1 run. The spurt was capped by an off-the-block hit from Monares, a Julyana Tolentino net touch, and an Alleiah Malaluan attack error, which gave UP a five-point, 10-5 cushion.
The Fighting Maroons carried this strong start until match point, after a crucial service error from Amie Provido. But Season 85 Rookie-MVP Angel Canino powered the Lady Spikers’ final stand.
She unleashed a crosscourt hit, then followed it up with a rejection on Olango, sending the decisive fifth set to extended play at 14-all.
Once again, UP showcased ice-cold composure in the dying moments. Doering nailed a quick attack, while Monares converted the game-winning down-the-line shot to keep their Final Four hopes alive with a two-hour, 25-minute five-set triumph.
Monares repeated her match-winning heroics, having also delivered the game-winner in UP’s stunning reversal of defending champion National University on March 26.
“I am grateful na pinagkakatiwalaan ako ng teammates ko. Malaking bagay ‘yon para sa akin na ibibigay sa akin yung last point, and as much as possible, gawin talaga siyang puntos para sa team,” Monares said, after fueling the Fighting Maroons with 16 points on 15 attacks, seven excellent digs, and five excellent receptions.
Doering contributed 15 points on 12 attacks with a 12-of-23 attack efficiency and three blocks, while Olango added 14 points on 10 attacks.
Fourth-year middle blocker Nina Ytang tallied 11 points on 10 attacks, while Irah Jaboneta was one point shy of a triple-double with nine points, 18 excellent receptions, and 16 excellent digs.
Jaz Manguilimotan’s calm playmaking resulted in 24 excellent sets, alongside three points on two aces and one attack, while Yesha Capistrano anchored UP’s defense with 16 excellent digs and 16 excellent receptions.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
The loss proved costly for La Salle, not just in the standings but also in their pursuit of a twice-to-beat advantage. The Lady Spikers dropped to 8-4, now tied with UST in second place.
And the road doesn’t get any easier. La Salle must regroup quickly for a crucial showdown against a surging Adamson squad — who recently shocked both the NU Lady Bulldogs and FEU Lady Tamaraws — also on April 23 at the same Pasay venue.
In the losing effort, Laput posted a career-best 27-point performance built on 20 attacks, four blocks, and three aces, with nine excellent digs. Canino added 25 points on 22 attacks, with seven excellent digs and seven excellent receptions.
Provido tallied 12 points on 10 attacks, while Malaluan was limited to six points on a 6-of-21 attack efficiency in the loss.
#WATCH: The UP Fighting Maroons are glad to finally get that win over La Salle—keeping their #UAAPSeason87 Final Four hopes alive 🏐
📹 @ErnestTuazon /Tiebreaker Times pic.twitter.com/1q3wTM59Eq
— Tiebreaker Times (@tiebreakertimes) April 13, 2025
