UP Fighting Maroons end 7-game slide, gain redemption against UE

In a rematch of the season’s first contest, the University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons capped their seven-game losing streak, outlasting the University of the East Red Warriors, 25-20, 22-25, 25-20, 19-25, 15-11, in the UAAP Season 81 Men’s Volleyball tournament at the Ynares Sports Arena.

The Maroons earned their first win following the promotion of Rald Ricafort from assistant to head coach at the onset of the second round.

UP also earned the win in their first five-setter of the season. Ricafort praised his team’s resilience through their troubling first seven matches.

“‘Yung struggle namin noong first round, marami kasing factors ‘yun. ‘Yung motivation naman ng players na makakuha ng isang panalo muna, hindi naman nawala,” said Ricafort.

“May maliliit lang na detalye na kailangan ayusin. Nag-click naman, wala akong naging problema sa adjustments. Marami pa ring lapses ngayon, pero naka-swerte naman kahit papaano,” he added.

Mark Millete led UP with 22 points, while Nico Consuelo and Jerry San Pedro each provided 14 markers.

Clifford Inoferio topped the Red Warriors with 21 points, while middle blocker Lloyd Josafat provided 16.

UP (1-7) next take on the Adamson University Falcons (4-4) on Saturday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena. Meanwhile, UE (2-6) will face the National University Bulldogs (7-1) on Wednesday at the FilOil Flying V Centre.

The Scores

UP (3) – Millete 22, Consuelo 14, San Pedro 14, Ijiran 9, San Pascual 8, Baldelovar 3, Enteria 1, Yan 1, Castillo 0, Madrigalejos (L)

UE (2) – Inoferio 21, Josafat 16, Alba 13, Abalon 10, Ortega 6, Adriano 1, Imperial A. 1, Ernacio 0, Imperial R. 0, Medina (L), Solis (L)