University of the East overcame being undermanned and a spirited comeback in the fifth and deciding set, ultimately spoiling the reigning champion University of Santo Tomas’ season opener, winning 28-26, 19-25, 26-24, 24-26, 15-9, on Sunday at the newly renovated Blue Eagle Gym in Loyola Heights, Quezon City.
With Karl Escobal keeping the Junior Golden Spikers competitive, Paul Roque sealed the match with back-to-back kills, ending the contest in one hour and 33 minutes.
Roque, the 2025 Palarong Pambansa MVP, delivered two consecutive attacks that put the team ahead 10-2, but UST had other plans and kept themselves in the thick of things with Escobal and Rainier Lorayes.
Ultimately, defense pulled UE through, leading to transition finishes from the 18-year-old outside hitter.
“Medyo ngayon nga kulang pa kami kasi ‘yung first setter namin and ‘yung isang middle blocker wala pa rin. Ang usapan lang namin is mag-trabaho talaga lahat,” said second-year head coach Herbert Dizon.
“Hindi pa ‘yon ‘yung game namin. Hindi pa nila nailabas ‘yung laro nila mismo, kasi ‘yung iba diyan, karamihan, first-timer. So siguro, in the long run, makapag-adjust na rin sila,” Dizon continued.
“Maganda naman, kahit papaano, ‘yung depensa kumapit nung padulo. Hindi katulad nung first set na relaxed — nanalo kami sa depensa talaga.”
Roque starred with 28 points on 27 attacks and one block, while team captain and last year’s Second Best Middle Blocker, Clarence Gianan, also produced double digits with 15.
On the other hand, Lorayes exploded for a game-high 33 markers, while Escobal chipped in 17 in this hard-fought battle between two proud programs.
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
Brylle Crespo and the National University Nazareth School opened their new era with a 22-25, 25-21, 25-18, 27-25 victory over Adamson University to conclude the opening day.
Crespo executed 14 excellent sets that resulted in 43 attack points for the Bullpups, along with one offensive point. Ragusta and Millan led the team with 21 and 15 points, respectively.
Kirk Partosa kept the Baby Falcons in the fight with 17 points on 16 spikes and one kill block.
Also picking up opening day wins were Far Eastern University-Diliman and De La Salle Zobel.
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
The Baby Tamaraws, led by last year’s Rookie of the Year Kenneth Maliwanag, swept the Ateneo Blue Eagles, 25-14, 25-20, 25-14.
Meanwhile, the Junior Green Spikers defeated the University of the Philippines Integrated School, 22-25, 25-11, 25-23, 25-20.
Maliwanag shone with 13 points, comprising nine kills, three blocks, and one service ace, while Edrielle Manlapaz added 12 points and two excellent receptions.
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
Kyle Aure took advantage of his height at the net, finishing with 11 points, five of which were blocks. Antonio Luis Papa anchored the Junior Green Spikers’ defense, achieving 11 digs and nine excellent receptions.
Marco Bamba remained the primary scorer for the Junior Fighting Maroons, contributing 12 points, six digs, and four excellent receptions. Rookie Justin Jusayan added 10 points and seven excellent receptions.
Xavier Castillo was the lone bright spot for the Blue Eagles, contributing 10 points.
Scheduled matches in the High School Boys’ division on Wednesday, September 24 at the Adamson Gym, have been postponed to Tuesday, September 30 at the Paco Arena, due to venue unavailability.
Action in both divisions is set to resume on Sunday, September 28, with all eight member universities playing at the same Katipunan venue.
