The UP Fighting Maroons kept their Final Four hopes alive after a straight-sets victory over the Ateneo Blue Eagles, 25-20, 25-14, 25-23, in the UAAP Season 88 Women’s Volleyball Tournament at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
With the win, the Fighting Maroons improved to 5-6, placing sixth behind the FEU Lady Tamaraws and the Adamson Lady Falcons, who both hold 6-5 records.
Niña Ytang Closes Door on Ateneo
In the third set, Niña Ytang refused to let the match extend, scoring five of UP’s last six points to turn a 19-21 deficit into a 25-23 win.
“Win everything,” said UP head coach Fabio Menta as they push for a Final Four spot. “We got no chances to slow down… We need to prove that we are worthy, and just give it all.”
Killer Stretch Looms for UP
UP faces a crucial stretch to end the eliminations, taking on fellow Final Four contenders. The Fighting Maroons will next face the FEU Lady Tamaraws on Sunday, April 12, at 5:00 p.m. at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion.
They will then face the Adamson Lady Falcons on April 15 before taking on the UST Golden Tigresses on April 19.
Ytang led UP with 18 points built on 13 attacks, 3 blocks, and 2 service aces. Jelai Gajero added 13 points built on 7 blocks and 6 attacks, along with 14 excellent digs, while Irah Jaboneta chipped in 12 points.
For Ateneo, no player scored in double figures, with Zey Pacia and Donna De Leon limited to 7 points apiece.
The Blue Eagles will take on their archrivals, the La Salle Lady Spikers, on Saturday, April 11, at 11:00 a.m. at the Filoil Centre.
