University of the Philippines took care of business against also-ran Ateneo de Manila University, 25-20, 25-14, 25-23, to revive its Final Four hopes in the UAAP Season 88 Collegiate Women’s Volleyball Tournament on Wednesday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
The Fighting Maroons bounced back from a loss to improve their record to 5-6, staying in sixth place but just one game behind fifth-running Adamson Lady Falcons at 6-5.
It was a morale-boosting win for UP as it heads into its final three matches, still fighting for a spot in the Final Four.
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
“Win everything,” said Fighting Maroons head coach Fabio Menta on what is needed to reach the Final Four. “We got no chances to slow down… We need to prove that we are worthy and just give it all.”
UP will have a pivotal opportunity to climb the standings on Sunday when it faces fellow Final Four hopeful Far Eastern University at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion. The Diliman-based side, which last reached the Final Four in Season 78, still has Adamson on April 15 and University of Santo Tomas on April 19.
Niña Ytang took charge late to complete the sweep for the Fighting Maroons. With Ateneo leading 21-19 in the third set, Ytang scored five of the last six UP points, including the clinching ace, to secure the win in one hour and 27 minutes.
The Blue Eagles were still ahead 23-21 when Ytang scored back-to-back points on a smart push shot followed by an ace to level the game. Middle blocker Bienne Bansil then stepped up with a solid block on Alex Montoro for the match point, 24-23.
“’Yon talaga ang dapat naming isipin: ipanalo ang every game namin starting today. Since this is our last year, we just want to enjoy and hopefully makasama kami sa Final Four,” said Ytang, who finished with 18 points on 13-of-22 attacks, three blocks, and two aces.
Jelai Gajero added 13 points on six spikes and seven blocks, outmatching Ateneo’s six in the blocking department.
Irah Jaboneta returned after missing the last two games due to a minor injury, contributing 12 points and five digs.
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
Dona De Leon led Ateneo with seven points as the Blue Eagles fell to 1-10.
Ateneo will face traditional rival De La Salle University on Saturday at the Filoil Centre in San Juan.
