University of the East ended its campaign on a high note, outlasting Final Four-bound Ateneo de Manila University in four sets, 25-16, 22-25, 25-18, 25-22, in the UAAP Season 88 Collegiate Men’s Volleyball Tournament on Saturday at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion.
Fresh off a sweep of the also-ran De La Salle University Green Spikers last Wednesday, the Red Warriors—led by Roy Piojo, Raquim Aceron, and Xjhann Camaymayan—carried their momentum into another strong showing, this time taking down the Blue Eagles.
The win allowed UE to finish the season on back-to-back victories and break a three-way tie for sixth place with Adamson University and the University of the Philippines. The Red Warriors wrapped up Season 88 with a 4-10 win-loss record.
It also marked their best finish since a 5-9 slate in Season 85 (2023), as they bounced back from a one-win campaign in Season 86 and a winless Season 87.
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
“Like last game, yung sabi ko nga ay yung mindset lang namin is to still train very hard and win as many games as possible. Since this is our last game, I just told them to give it their all, kasi wala naman mawawala to end the season memorable and with a win,” UE assistant coach Jumbo Dimaculangan said.
Things also look promising for the Red Warriors, who are set to return an intact roster next season.
Tied at 9-all in the fourth set, UE uncorked a crucial 6-2 run built on two blocks and a quick attack from Camaymayan to pull ahead, 15-11, a cushion the Blue Eagles could not overcome.
The Red Warriors maintained control as an Aceron down-the-line hit and an Amil Pacinio service error pushed them to match point, 24-19. Ateneo, however, refused to back down as Jian Salarzon and Enzo Gutierrez sparked a late push, saving three match points to cut the lead to 24-22.
Still, UE closed it out in style, with Aceron delivering a crosscourt finish to seal the victory in one hour and 41 minutes.
“As a super super senior, yung tumatak lang talaga sa isip ko kada game ay tulungan lang yung captain ko na si [Isaiah] Roca. Tapos yung sinasabi ko lang sa teammates ko na once na-down sila, lapitan nila ako at puntahan nila yung pinakapinagkakatiwalaan nila na teammate sa team para makakuha sila ng kumpiyansa at makabawi ulit,” Camaymayan said, who finished with 14 points on seven blocks, six attacks, and one ace.
Piojo powered UE with 23 points on 21 attacks and two aces, along with five excellent digs, while Aceron also delivered 23 points built on 18 attacks, three aces, and two blocks, plus 18 excellent receptions and six excellent digs.
Isaiah Roca added nine points on seven attacks and two blocks, alongside five excellent receptions.
Jio Rada orchestrated the offense with 21 excellent sets, while rookie libero Cjay Nabora anchored the floor defense with 15 excellent digs and 13 excellent receptions.
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
For Ateneo, the loss snapped a two-game winning streak as they slipped to a 7-6 record, remaining in fourth place ahead of a potential Final Four preview against Far Eastern University on Wednesday, April 22, at the SMART Araneta Coliseum.
Salarzon led the Blue Eagles with 20 points on 18 attacks and two blocks, alongside 19 excellent receptions and four excellent digs, while Pacinio added 14 points.
Nigerian spiker Aimar Okeke and Rodge Alejos contributed five points each, while Miguel Yu and Preece Atendido chipped in four points apiece in the losing effort. Reigning MVP Ken Batas saw limited action, playing only in the first set and finishing with two points.
