The UP Fighting Maroons displayed grit and composure as they stunned defending champion NU Lady Bulldogs with a thrilling reverse sweep, 16-25, 16-25, 25-22, 31-29, 18-16, in the UAAP Season 88 women’s volleyball tournament at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion.
After dropping the first two sets, UP slowly found its rhythm and forced a deciding fifth frame through steady execution and timely scoring.
In the fifth set, NU appeared poised to escape with the win after building a 13-9 cushion. However, Jelai Gajero and Niña Ytang fueled a late surge to knot the score at 14-all.
UP Delivers in the Clutch for Stunner
Vange Alinsug responded with consecutive attacks to push the Lady Bulldogs to match point, 16-15, but UP refused to fold. Casiey Dongallo tied the match once more before Bienne Bansil delivered back-to-back points to seal the upset victory.
“I told the girls that people judge us every day, but we know what we’re doing. We can’t waste time on a good day or a bad day, or get too excited because people are laughing at us like the last game. The intelligence of this game is exactly there. They focus and try to focus full-time,” said Fighting Maroons head coach Fabio Menta.
Dongallo led UP with 20 points built on 18 attacks and two blocks. Gajero added 19 markers on 15 attacks, 3 blocks, and 1 ace, along with 11 excellent receptions. Ytang anchored the net defense with 18 points, highlighted by 7 blocks, while Bansil chipped in 10 markers from 5 attacks and 5 blocks.
Alinsug paced NU with 20 points on 16 attacks and 4 aces. Arah Panique contributed 17 points, while Alexa Mata had 14 markers. Chammy Maaya added 11 points. Sam Cantada finished with 10 points before exiting in the third set.
The Fighting Maroons aim to ride the momentum of this breakthrough win when they face the FEU Lady Tamaraws on Sunday, March 8, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. Meanwhile, the Lady Bulldogs look to regroup as they take on the UE Red Warriors on Wednesday, March 4, at the same venue.
