University of the Philippines survived a tough challenge from a depleted University of the East squad, pulling off a hard-fought 25-18, 26-24, 24-26, 13-25, 15-13 victory in its UAAP Season 87 Women’s Volleyball opener on Saturday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
The win already matches the Fighting Maroons’ total from last season, where they finished 1-13.
However, it didn’t come easy, as they had to withstand a furious comeback from the Lady Warriors. UE rallied from a two-set deficit and a 0-4 hole in the deciding frame.
“First game of the season, of course, excited yung mga players. Hindi pa nila alam what to expect, hindi rin alam yung changes ng UE since nawalan sila ng players, kung ano yung gagalawin nila,” said new UP head coach Benson Bocboc, who marked his debut with a victory.
He went on, “Later part, lumaban sila tapos kami yung nag-off. Buti nakuha namin sa dulo in five sets.”
(C) UAAP Season 86 Media Team
Down 12-18 in the third set, the Lady Warriors fought back as Riza Nogales, Kayce Balingit, and Casiey Cepada combined forces to steal the frame, 26-24.
That surge ignited UE’s momentum, with Cepada and Nogales leading a dominant 25-13 fourth-set rout to force a decider.
Despite trailing 2-8 in the fifth, the Lady Warriors clawed their way back, with Cepada spearheading the charge. An ace from Ashley Cañete eventually tied the score at 13, putting immense pressure on UP.
However, middle blockers Nica Celis and Niña Ytang delivered in the clutch. Celis scored on a push shot through the block to bring UP to match point.
Then Ytang sealed the victory with a quick kill, completing the two-hour, 33-minute battle.
“Kailangan namin i-work pa yung individual skills namin as well as teamwork and connection with each other,” said outside spiker Joan Monares, who led UP with 17 points and 11 digs.
Rookie Kianne Olango also made a strong impression, scoring 15 points on 11 attacks and four blocks. Irah Jaboneta and Ytang added 12 and 11 points, respectively.
Former UE standouts Casiey Dongallo and Kizzie Madriaga, who have since transferred to UP, were on the sidelines to support “both schools.”
UP aims to build on this momentum when it takes on Far Eastern University on Wednesday at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan.
(C) UAAP Season 86 Media Team
Meanwhile, Cepada shined despite UE’s tough loss, erupting for 24 points. Van Bangayan, making her return to indoor volleyball after representing UE in beach volleyball for Seasons 86 and 87, contributed 17 points.
Balingit chipped in 12 points, while Angelica Reyes provided defensive stability with 25 digs and 11 receptions.
UE will attempt to bounce back next Saturday when it faces the University of Santo Tomas, also at the San Juan venue.
