NIGERIAN Olayemi Raheem made a spectacular UAAP debut, leading University of the Philippines to a hard-fought 19-25, 25-23, 24-26, 25-16, 18-16 victory over University of the East in the UAAP Season 87 Collegiate Men’s Volleyball Tournament opener on Saturday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
Trailing 13-9 in the decisive fifth set, Raheem ignited the Fighting Maroons’ 9-3 finishing run, sealing the comeback and dashing the Red Warriors’ hopes of a winning start.
The 20-year-old wing spiker shined in his first UAAP match, delivering 25 points off 24 attacks and a block.
“For me, it’s kind of like a new experience, having a lot of people, drums, and everything, but I focused on our preparations for the game. The mindset of having to win before going into the game, I was only focused on that and winning. I knew my teammates needed me, and I did my role,” Raheem said.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
After dominating the fourth set, 25-16, to force a decider, the Fighting Maroons stumbled into an early 7-3 hole, powered by UE’s second-year outside hitter Steven Aligayon.
Still down 13-9 in the final frame, Raheem sparked UP’s resurgence with four crucial hits, pushing them to a slim 14-13 lead.
The Red Warriors fought to extend the match, but costly errors in the closing moments, combined with Raheem’s relentless attacks, allowed the Fighting Maroons to snatch the win.
UE had earlier gained control by escaping with a 26-24 third-set victory after trading the first two frames. However, that would be the last set the Red Warriors would win as UP dominated the fourth to send the game to a deciding set.
“It was a very exciting game for us. It was quite a learning experience because half of the team are new to this type of environment ‘eh. We kind of expected that this will happen that the performance will not go as it planned, but the fact that they managed through the emotions, challenges, and issues, that was one of our best games so far as a team,” UP head coach Carlo Cabatingan said.
Cabatingan also marked his debut as head coach with a victory, taking over from Vip Isada, who led UP to a 2-12 finish in Season 86.
The Fighting Maroons capitalized on their strong net defense, tallying 15 blocks compared to UE’s eight.
Raheem received ample support from Daniel Nicolas, who registered 14 points, including 11 attacks. Angelo Lagando and Tommy Castrodes chipped in seven points each.
Clarence Santiago orchestrated UP’s offense with 15 excellent sets and contributed three points, while Castrodes anchored the defense with 13 excellent receptions and seven digs.
UP will be tested when it faces powerhouse Far Eastern University on Wednesday, Feb. 22, at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
On the other side, Roy Piojo’s collegiate debut was equally impressive, albeit in a losing effort. He tallied 22 points, all from attacks.
Aligayon finished with 17 points, comprising 13 attacks, three blocks, and one ace, while Xjhann Camaymayan added 12 points, including two blocks.
UE will aim for its first win when it faces the University of Santo Tomas on Saturday, Feb. 22, at the same San Juan venue.
