University of the Philippines’ five-set stunner over De La Salle University meant more than just bouncing back from a tough loss to Far Eastern University in their previous outing.
For Joan Monares, the win carried a deeper meaning. Behind her 16-point performance, the Fighting Maroons kept their hopes alive of ending a six-year Final Four drought in the UAAP Season 87 Women’s Volleyball Tournament.
When Monares sealed the win with a game-winning down-the-line hit, it wasn’t just about pulling off another upset — it was about taking a step closer to a long-cherished dream.
“It has been always a dream ng team na makapasok sa Final Four. Sobrang tagal na ng last season na pumasok sa Final Four yung team. ‘Yon yung gusto namin abutin ngayon at ‘yon yung goal ng team for this season,” Monares shared.
“Lalaban talaga kami, kasi hindi lang naman akin yung pangarap na ito. It has always been ‘our’ dream na makapasok sa Final Four. Ilalaban namin hanggang dulo.”
The last time UP reached the Final Four was nine years ago. Then-rookies Isa Molde and Tots Carlos led the charge, with the Fighting Maroons securing the fourth seed — only to fall to the dynastic Ateneo Blue Eagles.
Since then, calling it a drought might even be an understatement. In the post-pandemic era of UAAP women’s volleyball, UP managed only two wins while suffering 26 losses across Seasons 85 and 86 — seasons marked by transition and rebuilding.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
Entering Season 87, another rebuilding phase appeared to be in the works. The team leaned heavily on a rookie-laden core headlined by NUNS Lady Bullpups standouts Kianne Olango, Bienne Bansil, and Yesha Noceja, alongside newcomers Julia de Leon and Denise Lauchengco.
This, all while the rest of the UAAP only grew more competitive.
“Bilog talaga yung bola. Hanggang lumalaban kami, may chance. Hanggang kumakapit kami, may chance. Yung connection talaga sa teammates inside the court — of course dahil din mas marami na rookies na pumasok inside the court. Tinatry namin mag-bonding para mas gumanda yung relationship namin in and outside the court,” said Monares, now a third-year wing spiker.
And putting the “fight” in “UP Fight” is exactly what rookie standout Olango has vowed to bring for the Maroons. With crucial matches ahead against the UST Golden Tigresses and the surging Adamson Lady Falcons, their journey to the Final Four remains anything but certain — but entirely within reach.
A champion during her UAAP girls’ volleyball days, Olango said it was the drive and determination of UP’s key seniors — Nina Ytang, Irah Jaboneta, and Monares — that convinced her to commit to the maroon squad.
“Since day one talaga, simula pagkadating ko sa UP, palagi ko nakikita yung ates at yung hard work nila kasi alam ko na gusto rin nila mag-Final Four,” said the Season 85 Girls’ Volleyball MVP, who tallied 14 points on 10 attacks, three aces, and a block.
“Kaya pag may opportunity na maglaro sa loob, binubuhos ko talaga para sa team namin at para sa mga tao na tumutulong sa team namin.”
#WATCH: Joan Monares embraces the weight of leadership — not just as UP’s top scorer, but as a guiding force off the court 🏐
📹 @justinvalencia_/ Tiebreaker Times#UAAPSeason87 pic.twitter.com/JQ3YqP3uKt
— Tiebreaker Times (@tiebreakertimes) April 13, 2025
