University of the Philippines staged a stunning comeback in the fourth set, overcoming a 7-14 deficit to defeat Far Eastern University, 23-25, 25-23, 25-17, 25-23, in the UAAP Season 87 Women’s Volleyball Tournament at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan on Wednesday.
The victory surpassed UP’s one-win campaign from last season.
Jaz Ellarina’s energy fueled the Lady Tamaraws early in the fourth, propelling them to a commanding 14-7 lead and putting them on track to force a decider.
However, the Fighting Maroons had other plans, refusing to let the match go the distance.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
Kianne Olango, Joan Monares, and Kassandra Doering ignited UP’s rally, turning the tide and securing a 22-20 advantage.
FEU stayed within striking distance after UP committed errors late in the set, trimming the lead to 24-23. But Niña Ytang sealed the win after two hours and 24 minutes with a well-placed push shot that pierced through the Lady Tamaraws’ defense.
“So far maganda. May sinubukan lang kami at nagwork naman. Tingnan natin, baka mas mag-adapt pa sila doon sa sistema ng defense, then we’ll take it from there kung paano magpo-progress. Paisa-isa,” said UP head coach Benson Bocboc after his team secured its second win, already improving on last season’s 1-13 record.
The Fighting Maroons now share the early lead in the eight-team standings with National University at 2-0.
This win also marked UP’s first victory over FEU since their 25-10, 25-19, 25-7 triumph on June 2, 2022, in the second round of Season 84.
Monares continued to shine for the Fighting Maroons, delivering 19 points on 17-of-42 attacks and two aces, along with eight digs.
Rookie Olango also impressed with 17 points, while Ytang made her presence felt with 15 points, including nine spikes, four blocks, and two aces. Irah Jaboneta contributed 11 points, 12 receptions, and seven digs in the win.
UP aims to extend its unbeaten run to 3-0 when it faces winless Ateneo de Manila University on Sunday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
For FEU, Clarisse Loresco led the way with 11 points, while Chenie Tagaod added 10 points and seven digs.
However, head coach Tina Salak struggled to find the right combination as the Lady Tamaraws fell to 1-1.
FEU will look to bounce back on Sunday against defending champion NU.
