UP overcomes Adamson to end UAAP first round on a high note

The University of the Philippines (UP) capped off the UAAP Season 87 first round with crucial victories in both men’s and women’s volleyball, overcoming Adamson University’s standout performances at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Sunday, March 16.

UP ended a five-game losing streak with a 20-25, 25-18, 26-24, 25-20 win over Adamson, improving to 2-5 and securing sixth place. 

Nigerian spiker Raheem Olayemi powered the Fighting Maroons with 22 points, including four blocks, while rookie Tommy Castrodes added 17 markers, 23 receptions, and 14 digs.

UP’s composure proved crucial in tight moments, especially in the third set when Adamson held a 24-23 advantage. Castrodes scored consecutive points before Olayemi’s block sealed the set, shifting the momentum.

Setter Louise Aballe orchestrated UP’s offense with 26 excellent sets, while Angelo Lagando and Angelo Lipata added 10 and nine points, respectively. Libero Nino Bersano also played a key defensive role with 22 excellent receptions and 10 digs.  

Despite the loss, Jude Aguilar led Adamson with 27 points off 26 attacks, complemented by eight digs. Dan Gutierrez, Leo Coguimbal, and Marc Paulino each scored 11 points but were unable to prevent the Soaring Falcons from slipping to 1-6, placing them seventh in the standings.  

Meanwhile, in a five-set thriller, UP outlasted Adamson, 25-15, 15-25, 24-26, 25-22, 15-10, despite a record-breaking 38-point performance from Lady Falcons rookie Shaina Nitura.

Irah Jaboneta stepped up in the decisive fifth set, scoring seven of her 19 points, including the match-winner. 

Niña Ytang made an impressive return after missing two games due to an abdominal strain, leading UP with 20 points on 15-of-25 attacks, three blocks, and two aces. Joan Monares added 15 points, 17 digs, and 14 receptions, while rookie Kianne Olango also contributed 15 points.  

Nitura’s historic effort—35 spikes and three aces—surpassed the previous UAAP record of 35 points held by Alyssa Valdez and Sisi Rondina, but like them, she ended up on the losing side.

UP improved to 3-4, just one game behind fourth-place Far Eastern University (4-3), while Adamson slipped to 2-5, tying Ateneo for sixth.

With both teams gaining momentum, UP looks to build on these wins in the second round as they push for a Final Four spot.