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.
Rookie sensation Shaina Nitura made history with a record-breaking 38-point performance, but Adamson still fell short in a grueling five-set loss to the University of the Philippines (UP) in the UAAP Season 87 women’s volleyball tournament on Sunday, March 16.
Despite Nitura’s dominant display of 35 kills and three aces, the Lady Falcons suffered their fourth consecutive defeat, closing the first round with a tough 15-25, 25-15, 26-24, 22-25, 10-15 loss.
Her scoring feat surpassed the previous UAAP record of 35 points held by Ateneo de Manila University’s Alyssa Valdez (Season 75, 2013) and University of Santo Tomas’s Sisi Rondina (Season 81, 2019).
However, the disappointment was evident as the 20-year-old Adamson star remained in the dugout for hours after the match and declined media interviews, with head coach JP Yude also refusing to speak.
Nitura, who also tallied 15 excellent receptions, had already cemented her place in Adamson history by tying Angela Bengting’s 33-point school record in her debut against Ateneo last month.
De La Salle University (DLSU) got back on track with a four-set victory over the University of the Philippines (UP), winning 25-22, 24-26, 25-18, 25-17 in the UAAP Season 87 Women’s Volleyball Tournament on Sunday, March 2, at the Mall of Asia Arena.
“There’s no weak team in the UAAP today. Every game you play is a challenge,” said La Salle assistant coach Noel Orcullo in Filipino. “Every team plays a high level so you cannot say that the opponent is weak, that's why you need to overcome whatever it is that your opponent is going to throw at you.”
Angel Canino led the way for the Lady Spikers with 24 points, scoring 20 off attacks and adding four blocks.
Shevana Laput provided strong support with 21 points from 15 kills, three blocks, and three aces. Lilay del Castillo also contributed with 11 points, including four blocks and two aces.
The University of the Philippines (UP) Fighting Maroons made a strong start in the UAAP Season 87 Women’s Volleyball Tournament, defeating the Far Eastern University (FEU) Lady Tamaraws in four sets, 23-25, 25-23, 25-17, 25-23, to capture their second consecutive win at the FilOil EcoOil Centre on Wednesday, February 19.
This victory marked a significant improvement for UP, surpassing their one-win campaign from the previous season.
Jaz Ellarina’s strong play helped FEU take a commanding 14-7 lead in the fourth set, putting them in position to force a deciding fifth set.
However, the Fighting Maroons refused to give up, mounting a rally led by Kianne Olango, Joan Monares, and Kassandra Doering, which shifted the momentum and gave UP a 22-20 lead.
Despite late errors from UP allowing FEU to close the gap to 24-23, Niña Ytang sealed the victory with a clever push shot that pierced through the Lady Tamaraws’ defense, securing the win after two hours and 24 minutes.
