University of the Philippines kept its UAAP Season 87 Men’s Volleyball Final Four hopes alive by eliminating the University of the East, 25-21, 25-21, 22-25, 25-21, on Sunday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The Fighting Maroons snapped a two-game skid to improve to 3-7, placing them sixth in the standings. They now sit just two and a half games behind the joint fourth-place teams, the UST Golden Spikers and De La Salle Green Spikers (both at 5-4), with four matches left in their schedule.
This victory also marked an improvement from UP’s two-win total last season.
“Na-highlight ‘yung lapses namin nung third set and we were not able to execute. Going to the next, we just got back to the system, as long as we’re in sync we’re gonna play well naman,” said Fighting Maroons head coach Carlo Cabatingan.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
The Red Warriors managed to extend the match thanks to 2025 PNVF U21 MVP Isaiah Roca, who took matters into his own hands. With UP leading 22-21 in the third set, Roca delivered three consecutive points, while Axel Defeo added an ace to secure a 25-22 win for UE.
However, UP’s first-year players Tommy Castrodes and Olayemi Raheem proved too much to handle, spearheading a 14-8 start in the fourth set that paved the way for the Maroons’ victory in just over two hours.
“We start palagi sa ensayo. Doon kami kumukuha ng kumpiyansa then gagawin lang namin sa actual game. Consistency lang talaga and laban,” said Castrodes, who tallied 16 points, 16 receptions, and eight digs.
Raheem led UP with 22 points, while converted outside hitter Angelo Lipata contributed nine points and nine receptions. Dan Nicolas chipped in eight points, while Angelo Lagando added seven. Rookie setter Louise Aballe orchestrated the offense with 27 excellent sets.
UP is looking to mount a late-season push for a playoff berth, but it faces a formidable challenge next Sunday against league-leading Far Eastern University at the Big Dome.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
Meanwhile, the Red Warriors remained winless after 10 games, extending their losing streak to 17 matches dating back to the second round of Season 86.
Four UE players scored in double figures, led by Raquim Aceron’s 20 points and 30 excellent receptions. Captain Xjhann Camaymayan added 12 points, while Roca and Roy Piojo finished with 11 and 10 points, respectively.
Despite being out of Final Four contention, UE will continue its quest for a breakthrough victory when it faces La Salle on Saturday at the same venue.
