UP, NU score opposite results as UAAP volleyball heats up

The University of the Philippines (UP) and National University (NU) had contrasting fates in the UAAP Season 87 volleyball tournament on Wednesday, March 26, with the Fighting Maroons securing a massive upset in the women’s division while the Bulldogs regained their winning form in the men’s competition.  

The Fighting Maroons shocked the previously unbeaten Lady Bulldogs in a thrilling five-set comeback, 26-24, 23-25, 17-25, 25-23, 15-12, at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan.  

Middle blocker Niña Ytang delivered a career-best 30 points, becoming the first in her position to reach that mark since NU legend Jaja Santiago in 2017. Her heroic performance not only lifted the Fighting Maroons to a 4-5 record but also ended a nine-game losing streak against the Lady Bulldogs dating back to 2019.  

In the decisive fifth set, NU held a slim 12-11 lead after blocks from Sheena Toring and Alyssa Solomon. However, UP responded with a clutch 4-0 run, sealed by a net violation from NU and an off-the-block kill from Joan Monares.  

"I'm speechless. The ball is round—anything can happen. We just gave it our all. We told ourselves in the fifth set, ‘We’ve come this far, so why give up now?’ We just fought, helped each other, and persevered on the court," said Ytang.  

Monares added 16 points, while Irah Jaboneta recorded a triple-double with 10 markers, 19 receptions, and 13 digs. Former NU high school standouts Kianne Olango and Bienne Bansil contributed 10 apiece against their former team.  

NU’s MVP frontrunner Bella Belen finished with 21 points, while Solomon and Vange Alinsug added 19 and 16, respectively.  

The Lady Bulldogs, now at 8-1, will aim to bounce back against Far Eastern University on Sunday, March 30, while UP faces University of the East.  

On the men’s side, defending champion NU Bulldogs overcame a sluggish start to defeat the UP Fighting Maroons, 23-25, 25-14, 25-20, 25-23. The win improved NU’s record to 7-2, giving them a solid grip on solo second place behind unbeaten Far Eastern University (9-0).  

NU’s dominance over UP continued as they secured their 13th straight victory over the Fighting Maroons since Season 78 in 2016.  

"Based on our recent performances, we always find ourselves trailing in our matches. We haven’t had a clean win yet—every game is a struggle for my players," said NU head coach Dante Alinsunurin. "But no matter the situation, at least we still win. Whatever challenges we face in every game, at least we're being tested."  

Leo Ordiales stepped up late in the fourth set to help NU secure the victory. Earlier, Buds Buddin sparked the Bulldogs' third-set surge with a string of crosscourt hits, while Jade Disquitado delivered the finishing blow.  

Disquitado led NU with 22 points and 20 excellent receptions, while Leo Aringo and Buddin chipped in 19 and 17, respectively. Congolese middle blocker Obed Mukaba added 10 points, anchoring NU’s net defense.  

For UP, Olayemi Raheem was the lone bright spot, scoring 26 points in a losing effort. The Fighting Maroons dropped to 2-7, falling to seventh in the standings.  

NU now prepares for a high-stakes showdown against league-leading FEU, while UP looks to snap its skid against winless UE on Sunday.