University of the Philippines finally snapped its frustrating five-game slide with a hard-fought victory over the University of the East, 25-22, 23-25, 25-23, 25-20, in the UAAP Season 88 Collegiate Men’s Volleyball Tournament at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Sunday.
The Fighting Maroons, who started the season 2-1, had dropped five straight matches before this win improved their record to 3-6. The victory keeps them within reach of joint fourth-placers Ateneo Blue Eagles and De La Salle Green Spikers, both holding 4-4 records.
“We rarely talk about the standings. We usually talk about how we’re going to improve our skills,” said UP head coach Carlo Cabatingan.
“Focused kami doon sa process; if the results go on our way, so be it. If not, at least yung focus talaga namin is how we develop the team.”
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
Sophomore Tommy Castrodes took over in the crucial moments to put the Fighting Maroons out of the Red Warriors’ reach. Then Olayemi Raheem and Milven Francisco also delivered key points to seal the win in one hour and 58 minutes.
Raheem, the first-round leading scorer, gave UP a 2-1 set advantage by scoring the final two points in the third frame.
The Nigerian opposite spiker finished with 20 points on 17 spikes and three blocks. Castrodes contributed 15 points — including eight in the fourth set — alongside 13 excellent receptions and seven digs.
UP also capitalized on the Red Warriors’ 32 errors, limiting their own mistakes to just 19, including only two in the decisive fourth set.
Francisco continued his strong play at the middle, tallying 11 points on eight attacks, two blocks, and an ace, while Angelo Lipata added eight points, nine receptions, and six digs.
The Fighting Maroons will face the streaking De La Salle University next Sunday at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion.
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
On the other hand, the Red Warriors’ losing streak extended to six games, dropping their record to 1-8.
Roy Piojo led UE with 25 points and 13 excellent receptions, while Raquim Aceron had 17 points and 32 excellent receptions.
UE will next face Adamson University, the only team they defeated in the first round, on Saturday at the UST arena.
