With University of the Philippines’ Final Four aspirations hanging by a thread, the Fighting Maroons found timely relief through Joan Monares, rookie standout Kianne Olango, and American middle blocker Kassandra Doering to keep their slim postseason hopes alive in the UAAP Season 87 Women’s Volleyball Tournament.
Powered by the trio’s contributions, UP pulled off another stunning upset—this time toppling De La Salle University in five thrilling sets, 26-24, 18-25, 19-25, 25-22, 16-14—on Sunday at the SMART Araneta Coliseum.
The victory not only kept UP’s dream of ending a six-year Final Four drought alive, but also spoiled the Lady Spikers’ first attempt at securing their 15th straight postseason appearance.
Reeling from a tough loss to Far Eastern University, the Fighting Maroons bounced back in the biggest way, improving to an even 6-6 record with two games left in the eliminations.
However, the job is far from done for UP. To strengthen their Final Four bid over contenders like UST (8-4) and FEU (8-5), the Maroons must secure victories in their last two assignments: against the Golden Tigresses on Wednesday, April 23, at the SM Mall of Asia Arena, and versus the Adamson Lady Falcons on Sunday, April 27, at the Big Dome.
“Maganda yung nagawa. May mga parts na nawawala sa plano, so medyo napapasigaw tayo doon, pero bumabalik naman. Simple lang naman yung laro ‘eh, susunod lang naman sa game plan, and I think, magco-connect lahat doon. Roller coaster na naman, pero good thing na nagwork sila in crucial times yung mga ine-expect na gagawa,” UP head coach Benson Bocboc said, who led the Fighting Maroons to their first win over the Lady Spikers since Season 81 in 2019 after suffering seven straight losses.
After a Monares attack went wide that locked the fifth set at four-all, UP remained composed in the clutch, uncorking a pivotal 6-1 run — capped with an off-the-block hit from Monares, a Julyana Tolentino net touch, and an Alleiah Malaluan attack error — to build a five-point, 10-5 cushion.
The Fighting Maroons brought this strong start until arriving at match point behind a crucial service error from Amie Provido, but Season 85 Rookie-MVP Angel Canino powered the Lady Spikers’ final stand. She unleashed a crosscourt hit, then followed it up with a rejection on Olango to send the decisive fifth set to extended play at 14-all.
Once again, UP showcased ice-cold composure in the dying moments — Doering nailed a quick attack, while Monares converted the game-winning down-the-line attack to remain in the thick of the Final Four race with a two hour, 25-minute five-set triumph.
Monares reprised the match winner that keyed UP’s stunning reversal of defending champion National University last March 26.
“I am grateful na pinagkakatiwalaan ako ng teammates ko. Malaking bagay ‘yon para sa akin na ibibigay sa akin yung last point, and as much as possible, gawin talaga siyang puntos para sa team,” Monares said, who fueled the Fighting Maroons with 16 points on 15 attacks with seven excellent digs and five excellent receptions.
Doering provided 15 points on 12 attacks with 12-of-23 attack efficiency and three blocks, while Olango added 14 points on 10 attacks.
Fourth-year middle blocker Nina Ytang tallied 11 points on 10 attacks, while Irah Jaboneta was one point shy of a triple-double with nine points, 18 excellent receptions, and 16 excellent digs.
Jaz Manguilimotan’s calm playmaking led to 24 excellent sets with three points on two aces and one attack, while Yesha Capistrano anchored UP’s defense with 16 excellent digs and 16 excellent receptions.
The loss proved costly for La Salle, not just in the standings but in their pursuit of a twice-to-beat advantage. The Lady Spikers dropped to 8-4, now tied with UST in second place.
And the road doesn’t get any easier. La Salle will have to regroup quickly for a crucial showdown against a surging Adamson squad—who recently shocked both the NU Lady Bulldogs and FEU Lady Tamaraws—also on April 23 at the same Pasay venue.
In the losing effort, Laput tallied a career-best 27-point performance built on 20 attacks, four blocks, and three aces with nine excellent digs, while Canino achieved 25 points on 22 attacks with seven excellent digs and seven excellent receptions.
Provido tallied 12 points on 10 attacks, while Malaluan was limited to six points on 6-of-21 attack efficiency in the loss.
