Roy Piojo and Raquim Aceron were expected to lead the University of the East in the UAAP Season 88 Collegiate Men’s Volleyball Tournament.
The duo had been the silver lining during UE’s winless Season 87 campaign, giving the team hope in just their rookie year.
However, disaster struck less than a week before Season 88 began, when Piojo suffered a partial meniscus tear in his left knee, sidelining him for the first round.
Despite losing one of its key players, UE persevered, securing a win in the first round and ending a 23-game losing streak.
Now, in the second round, Piojo is looking to make up for lost time and ensure Aceron has his 1-2 punch partner back on the court.
“Sobrang saya kasi nung first round, gustuhin ko man sana maglaro kaso bawal talaga pero ngayon at least fully recovered na ako,” said Piojo on Saturday after UE’s second win of the season.
“Nagmamindset talaga ako every game na kailangan kong ibigay yung best ko kasi malaking tulong talaga ako sa loob ng court eh, kailangan hindi talaga ako mawala.”
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
The 20-year-old standout from Santa Barbara, Iloilo, delivered 21 points and eight digs to lead UE past Adamson, 25-23, 26-24, 20-25, 25-22, marking his first taste of victory in a Red Warrior uniform since he was sidelined during their first-round triumph.
Aceron also contributed 21 points and 23 excellent receptions, as the pair continued to live up to their status as UE’s super sophomores.
Assistant coach Jumbo Dimaculangan shared that the coaching staff faced a tough decision: gamble on playing Piojo this season or let him sit out entirely.
But Piojo wanted to fight—and that’s exactly what he’s doing for the Red and White.
“Naging patient lang din kami. Nung nalaman namin yung extent ng knee injury niya, we were given an option if paglalaruin namin si Roy this season or we’ll just let this season go,” said Dimaculangan.
“Sabi naman namin, we’ll let Roy decide kasi siya naman yung maglalaro, pero sinabi niya, ‘Coach, lalaban po ako, maglalaro po ako.’”
While the Red Warriors’ 2-8 record after 10 games may look unimpressive, this represents a step forward after a one-win Season 86 and a winless Season 87.
With Piojo and Aceron back as the team’s 1-2 punch, UE still has the potential to turn heads this season—and completely reshape its narrative in the years to come.
#WATCH: KAILANGAN KO BIGAY YUNG BEST KO 🛡️
Roy Piojo, who suffered an MCL injury before the start of #UAAPSeason88, is doing his all to keep UE’s hopes alive 🏐#ReadMore 👉 https://t.co/IShWYwXRFL
📹 @justinvalencia_ /Tiebreaker Times pic.twitter.com/eZpwD3I1LH
— Tiebreaker Times (@tiebreakertimes) March 28, 2026
