University of the Philippines survived a late resurgence by the University of the East to secure a 25-12, 25-9, 21-25, 25-19 opening-day victory in the UAAP Season 88 Women’s Volleyball Tournament at the SM Mall of Asia Arena, Saturday.
The Fighting Maroons dominated the first two sets in convincing fashion. But Khy Cepada, Van Bangayan, and Bea Zamudio found their rhythm in the third frame, powering the Red Warriors to a 25-21 win to extend the match.
UE appeared to carry that momentum into the fourth set, racing to a 7-4 lead. However, UP quickly regrouped.
Behind Irah Jaboneta, Jelai Gajero, Niña Ytang, and Kianne Olango, the Fighting Maroons turned the tide. They pulled away for the 25-19 clincher, handing new head coach Fabio Menta a victory in his UAAP debut.
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
“It’s more on mental. We were playing very well in the beginning. Second set was very smooth… We need to grow up,” said Menta, reflecting on the lapse in the third set.
“We allowed the girls to be distracted in one moment, but it won’t happen again. Trust me because they’re gonna hear me later.”
Ytang and Jaboneta led UP’s balanced attack, stepping up in the absence of fellow senior Joan Monares, who is sidelined for the first round due to injury.
Ytang, a three-time UAAP Best Middle Blocker, tallied nine spikes, three blocks, and two aces for 14 points. Jaboneta matched her output with 14 points built on 13-of-27 attacks and one ace, along with five digs.
Former UE standout Casiey Dongallo still contributed 13 points for UP despite heading to the dugout midway through the third set due to back pain. Menta assured that the move was precautionary and they expect her to resume practice on Tuesday.
Olango also finished with 13 points, while libero Giesha Capistrano anchored the defense with 13 excellent digs and seven receptions.
Setter Julia de Leon fired three of UP’s 10 service aces and added seven excellent sets.
It was a reunion of sorts, as Dongallo, Gajero, Shamel Fernandez, Jenalyn Umayan, and Kizzie Madriaga faced their former team UE for the first time in UP colors.
UP will enjoy a week-long break before returning to action on February 22 against Ateneo de Manila University at the same Pasay venue.
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
Bangayan paced the Lady Warriors with 19 points on 16 attacks, two blocks, and one ace, while Zamudio chipped in 14. Cepada added 10 points and 10 excellent digs.
Libero Angge Reyes recorded eight receptions and seven digs in the loss — UE’s 15th straight, dating back to a winless Season 87 campaign.
UE will look to bounce back on Wednesday against Far Eastern University at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion.
