University of the Philippines kept its Final Four hopes alive in the UAAP Season 87 women’s volleyball tournament with a stunning five-set victory over De La Salle University on Sunday night.
And the secret behind the upset? Head coach Benson Bocboc’s deep familiarity with Ramil de Jesus’ system and the Lady Spikers.
Bocboc, in his first year as head coach of the Fighting Maroons, previously served as an assistant to De Jesus from 2016 to 2024. Nearly every member of La Salle’s current starting lineup — except for rookie setter Mikole Reyes — was mentored by Bocboc at some point during their formative years.
“Kanina sa dugout sabi ko sa kanila eh, ‘may nararamdaman ako na baka ito na yung araw na makakuha tayo ng panalo,’” recalled Bocboc after UP’s thrilling 26-24, 18-25, 19-25, 25-22, 16-14 victory.
“Okay naman ine-expect — sabi ko sa kanila may mga bagay na siyempre kilala natin ‘yung mga players ng kabila, so sabi ko makinig lang kayo sa gagawin niyo, ganito lang gagawin,” he added.
“Well siguro compared sa ibang kalaban, mas maraming information silang nakuha sa La Salle. Pero ang reminder ko lang naman sa kanila is they focus on their own. Pag dumating sila sa situation na yun na familiar sila, alam na nila ang gagawin nila.”
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
Despite going the distance, the most crucial part for the Fighting Maroons was pulling off the win to stave off elimination. The victory evened UP’s record to 6-6, keeping them within striking distance of the current top contenders: La Salle and University of Santo Tomas (both at 8-4), and Far Eastern University (8-5).
While Bocboc acknowledged that his familiarity with the Lady Spikers played a big role in the upset, he credited his players for executing on the taraflex.
“Tinrabaho naman nila, sila yung naglalaro eh. Sabi ko magaan ‘yung pakiramdam natin ngayon, trabaho tayo ng ilang days succeeding,” said Bocboc.
“Nung una ang dami pang ginagawa, nung bandang dulo nakukuha na nila, nata-touch na nila ‘yung mga block, so ayun siguro, basta susunod lang naman sila—nagkataon maganda ‘yung panalo.”
Even during their first-round match-up, UP showed grit and determination by stealing a set, which earned praise from De Jesus, who noted the improvements in the Fighting Maroons under Bocboc’s leadership.
Although La Salle won that match, 25-22, 24-26, 25-18, 25-17, UP held their heads high — and now, they’ve finally broken through.
#WATCH: The UP Fighting Maroons are glad to finally get that win over La Salle—keeping their #UAAPSeason87 Final Four hopes alive 🏐
📹 @ErnestTuazon /Tiebreaker Times pic.twitter.com/1q3wTM59Eq
— Tiebreaker Times (@tiebreakertimes) April 13, 2025
