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Ateneo de Manila University claimed its first victory in the UAAP Season 87 women's volleyball tournament by sweeping the University of the Philippines (UP) Fighting Maroons, 25-18, 25-22, 25-18, in their Battle of Katipunan matchup at the Mall of Asia Arena on Sunday.

The Blue Eagles took a commanding 18-9 lead in the third set before UP managed to score three consecutive points to stop the run. 

However, Sobe Buena sparked a late rally, helping Ateneo push the score to 23-17. An AC Miner block then set up the match point, and although Niña Ytang managed to save one match point, Buena sealed the victory for Ateneo.

Buena, who had been limited in Ateneo’s first two losses due to injury recovery, made a strong return just when her team needed her most, leading with 17 points from 15-of-27 attacking efficiency. 

Team captain Lyann de Guzman also played a key role, scoring 14 markers with 12 attacks and two aces, while experienced blocker AC Miner added 12 points, including seven attacks, four blocks, and one ace.

Far Eastern University (FEU) ended a six-year drought against National University (NU) with a 27-25, 25-14, 25-23 victory on Sunday, February 23, at the Mall of Asia Arena.

This marked the Tamaraws’ first win over the Bulldogs since February 16, 2019, breaking a seven-game losing streak that began with a loss in the second round of Season 81 on April 28, 2019.

“Our work never stops. If you saw our training sessions, from the last game until now, we haven’t stopped practicing, and we haven’t rested. The dedication, hard work, and the strong family bond within the team, you can really see the results in the end,” said FEU head coach Eddieson Orcullo.

FEU made a comeback from a 22-24 deficit in the first set, eventually taking the lead at 26-25 following a miscue by Leo Ordialaes and a game-clinching block by Doula Ndongala.

The Tamaraws dominated the second set and managed to hold off NU’s late rally in the third, where the Bulldogs trimmed the lead to 24-23. Dryx Saavedra sealed the win with the final point.

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.

Far Eastern University (FEU) continued its perfect run in the UAAP Season 87 Men’s Volleyball Tournament, winning their second consecutive game.

The Tamaraws dominated the University of the Philippines (UP) with a straight-set victory, 25-21, 25-16, 25-18, during their Wednesday afternoon, February 19, match at the FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City.

Despite a slow start in the first set, FEU quickly regained their momentum in the second, overpowering the Fighting Maroons, 25-16, and setting themselves up for a potential straight-set win.

Though UP made a strong push in the third set, staying within one point at 15-16 midway, the combined efforts of Amet Bituin, Mikko Espartero, Ariel Cacao, Dryx Saadvedra, and Lirick Mendoza were too much for the Fighting Maroons.

FEU head coach Eddieson Orcullo hopes this level of performance will continue as they prepare for their next match against defending champions National University on Sunday, February 23, at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay.

Rachel Anne Daquis overcame cramps and played a vintage performance, scoring 19 points, including the final one of the game to lead Farm Fresh to 18-25, 21-25, 26-24, 25-19, 15-12, victory against Capital1 in the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) All-Filipino Conference on Tuesday, February 18, at the Philsports Arena.

Daquis, who came out of retirement last year to bolster the Foxies tournament campaign, provided the spark that the Foxies needed to turn the two-set deficit to a sweep of the next three.

“I just wanted to help the team and do my job,” said Daquis in Filipino, reflecting on her performance. “I struggled in the first two sets, but we adjusted as a team, and that’s how we were able to recover.”

The Foxies also missed the services of Trisha Tubu due to a back injury, making way for Daquis to take over and showed leadership by steering the team to the comeback victory.

The Cignal HD Spikers swept the Akari Chargers in their match-up, 25-17, 25-15, 25-21, to secure the No. 3 seed in the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) All-Filipino Conference on Tuesday, February 18, at the Philsports Arena in Pasig.

Cignal finished the game in just one hour and 26 minutes.

Vanie Gandler unleashed 15 points, including 14 deadly attacks to lead the team to their third straight victory, while Roselyn Doria-Aquino delivered 12 crucial points, including three kill blocks, that earned her Best Player of the Game honors.

Rookie sensation Ishie Lalongisip continued her stellar play, chipping in 10 markers, while Jacqueline Acuña provided eight markers to complete a well-balanced assault. 

The win not only extended the HD Spikers winning streak but also etched their status as one of the team's to beat going into the knockout phase.

The Ateneo Blue Eagles will have to continue their UAAP Season 87 campaign without two key players after injuries to Zel Tsunashima and Jlo Delos Santos were evaluated last week.

Tsunashima sustained a freak injury during their opening match against the Adamson Lady Falcons when she landed awkwardly after a block attempt, resulting in a broken left shin (tibia and fibula) in the fifth set.

At the time, Tsunashima had scored 10 points and was a crucial part of Ateneo’s effort. She had to leave the game late in the deciding set when Adamson was ahead, 11-9.

Shaina Nitura unleashed a record game debut to lead Adamson to a thrilling reverse sweep over Ateneo de Manila University, 21-25, 20-25, 25-12, 25-15, 15-12, in the UAAP Season 87 Women’s Volleyball Tournament on Sunday, February 16, at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.

The homegrown Adamson product reset the UAAP scoring record for a rookie in her debut game as she unloaded 33 points anchored on 28 attacks, four blocks, and one ace, while also grabbing five digs and seven receptions. 

Despite Nitura surpassing the record previously set by University of Santo Tomas’s Angge Poyos, who fired 31 markers last season, she downplayed the achievement. 

The University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) women’s volleyball world was shaken when the news broke out that some of the University of the East (UE) Lady Warriors left the team, and made their transfer to the University of the Philippines, in the aftermath of coach Obet Vital’s resignation and reported transfer to UP, to go along Fighting Maroons head coach Benson Bocboc.

In a Scoreline.ph exclusive interview with these “FOURmer” UE Lady Warriors, Casiey Dongallo, Jelai Gajero, Kizzie Madriaga, and Shamel Fernandez shared their journey in going from one school to another.

The four women standout shared that the transition was not that smooth as they felt a lot of bashing about their decision to become part of the Fighting Maroons.

“Personally, I don't think the transition from UE to UP was smooth. Because, when the issue came out that I had to move, of course, everyone has their own opinion about the decision. So, yes, we felt bashing, like, why is it like this, why is it like that,” said Dongallo in Filipino.

“But, for me, I didn’t really bother to dwell on it because it won't help me in my future endeavors,” added the star rookie of the Lady Warriors last season.

Moving on is one of the things that humans occasionally find difficult to comprehend. However, in order to improve and flourish, one must either pursue change or just dwell in their comfort zone indefinitely.

The collegiate volleyball community was surprised to learn of the departure of Dr. Obet Vital from his post as University of the East Lady Red Warriors head coach to bring his vision and initiatives to the University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons Women’s Volleyball Team.

But an even bigger revelation was followed by the transfer of California Academy standouts and former Lady Red Warriors Casiey Dongallo, Kizzie Madriaga, and Jelai Gajero to the Diliman school.

In an exclusive interview with Scoreline.ph, Coach Obet shared an optimistic outlook of the team’s trajectory and expressed enthusiasm for what lies ahead as they continue to evolve as a group and as individuals.

Choco Mucho hiked its winning streak to four after achieving a sweet success against Akari, 25-22, 19-25, 25-23, 25-15, in the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) All-Filipino Conference on Saturday night, February 8, at the Philsports Arena.

The Flying Titans sealed the game, reestablishing their groove after the second set hiccup. 

Choco Mucho went into overdrive in the fourth set, after thumping Akari in a close third set, swiftly establishing an 11-4 lead thanks to the efforts of Cherry Nunag, Dindin Santiago-Manabat, and Isa Molde.

Before concluding the game, the Flying Titans kept up their pace and increased their lead to 21-9.

Leading a flock of talent-rich individuals would have been an easy task for a captain, but for someone guiding a team that is attempting to break into the Final Four of the UAAP Women’s Volleyball Tournament, it would be a handful task.

It has been 43 years since the University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons Women’s Volleyball Team emerged as victors in the UAAP Women’s Volleyball Tournament. It would seem like a punch to the moon to even reach the Final Four as the squad last made it in 2017. 

It was a reminder for the newly-minted captain Dannica Celis that the trophy has been elusive for the Maroon school for four decades as their best-place finish has consistently been third.

As captain, Celis emphasizes that winning one game at a time is more important than reaching the Final Four. She acknowledges the long-standing gap since their championship win, and while it serves as motivation, her team's current approach is centered on gradual improvement and individual growth that will contribute to collective success.

Nxled scored its first-ever breakthrough win in the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) against the gutsy Galeries Tower, 25-20, 19-25, 25-14, 25-23, on Saturday, February 8, at the Philsports Arena in Pasig.

The Chameleons snapped a 15-game losing streak since the Reinforced Conference in addition to entering the win column for the first time under Italian coach Ettore Guidetti.

EJ Laure was instrumental in ceasing the Chameleon’s drought, posting a game-high 19 points built on 14 attacks and five blocks, while also supplementing nine excellent digs and eight excellent receptions to earn Player of the Game honors. 

Although the win was a big step forward, coach Guidetti stressed that the club is still committed to making constant progress.

The Petro Gazz has further cemented its position as one of the powerhouses in the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) after taking down the ZUS Thunderbelles in four sets, 25-20, 24-26, 28-26, 25-22, in the 2024-25 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) at the Philsports Arena in Pasig on Tuesday, February 4.

Petro Gazz, who were tied at 16-all in the fourth round, took advantage of ZUS Coffee's costly mistakes to pull away by as much as four points.

Jovelyn Gonzaga and Kate Santiago made an effort to keep the Thunderbelles afloat, but Myla Pablo and Brooke Van Sickle's combined effort proved to be too strong, as the Angels scored their final four points to win.

Reigning conference MVP Van Sickle erupted 27 points built on 25 attacks and two aces, on top of 15 excellent digs and five receptions to fuel Petro Gazz’s sixth consecutive win for 7-1, taking the top spot in the team standings. 

The PLDT High Speed Hitters hiked its win streak to six, breaking into the top three of the 2024-25 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) All-Filipino Conference with a masterful 25-20, 25-17, 25-19 victory over Farm Fresh at the Philsports Arena on Tuesday, February 4.

Savi Davison was relentless, posting a match-high 26 points loaded with 23 kills to carry the High Speed Hitters past the Foxies to a 6-3 record.

The Filipino-Canadian spiker also registered three blocks along with six excellent receptions. 

While Davison spearheaded PLDT’s offense, young setter Angge Alcantara orchestrated the plays and served as the catalyst with 12 excellent sets and four markers to earn Player of the Game honors.

Despite the impressive outing, the High Speed Hitters should not lower their guards as head coach Rald Ricafort stressed the value of maintaining consistency as they move into the tournament's pivotal stage.

PLDT returned to their winning ways after pulling off a 25-20, 25-21, 20-25, 25-22 victory over Cignal in the 2024-25 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) All-Filipino Conference at the Philsports Arena in Pasig on Tuesday, January 28.

The High Speed Hitters retaliated fiercely after the HD Spikers won the third set, gaining a 16–6 lead in the fourth set and appearing poised to win the match easily.

The Cignal team, led by Vanie Gandler and Ishie Lalongisip’s aggressive performances halfway through the frame, even got within one at 22-21, but Majoy Baron and star spiker Savi Davison’s kills helped the High Speed Hitters regain their rhythm and end the game.

Davison put up her usual output with 24 points along with 12 excellent digs and 10 excellent receptions as PLDT now holds a 5-3 record. 

The Creamline Cool Smashers sustained its pristine record in the 2024-25 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) All-Filipino Conference by showcasing great resolve in a 25-12, 25-21, 25-19 victory over the Nxled Chameleons on Tuesday, January 28, at the Philsports Arena in Pasig.

A day after receiving a special citation at the Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) Awards Night, Creamline did not hesitate to get the job done and show the league who they are.

Bernadeth Pons led the charge for the Cool Smashers with 13 points along with 12 excellent digs, while Tots Carlos added 10 markers behind Kyle Negrito’s 15 excellent sets.

Creamline’s win streak extends to 16 games and they will try to beat their previous record of 19 games that was ended by the Chery Tiggo Crossovers in the second round of the Reinforced Conference last year. 

Meneses rotated all of his 14 players in the game, giving each player a chance to play and score at least one point.

The Choco Mucho Flying Titans overcame a first-set loss by overcoming PLDT, 21-25, 25-22, 25-18, 25-18, in the 2024-25 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) All-Filipino Conference at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig on Thursday, January 23.

The Flying Titans, who were tied at 17 points apiece in the fourth quarter, went on a 7-0 run led by Sisi Rondina and Cherry Nunag’s five points apiece.

Erika Santos' crosscourt hit halted the High Speed Hitters' bleeding, but it was too late as Rondina's down-the-line kill, which Kath Arado was unable to block, sealed the win for Choco Mucho.

As a result, the Flying Titans moved up to 5-3 for fourth place alone after defeating Farm Fresh, ZUS Coffee, and PLDT despite missing the services of Kat Tolentino, who had surgery due to a ruptured appendix.

"Firstly, of course, we dedicate our victory to Kat, she is recovering now. I hope she recovers quickly and we can be together again," said Flying Titans head coach Dante Alinsunurin.

Shorthanded Akari regained its winning ways to breeze past sister team Nxled, 21-25, 25-20, 26-24, 25-18, in the ongoing 2024-25 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) All-Filipino Conference on Thursday, January 23, at the Philsports Arena.

Ivy Lacsina powered the Chargers by posting 17 points built on 14 attacks, two aces, and a block, while Faith Nisperos and Eli Soyud both contributed 15 apiece in the winning cause.

The win propelled Akari to a 4-4 win-loss record despite team captain Michelle Cobb exiting the court after suffering a neck injury during the second set. 

Petro Gazz staged an impressive reverse sweep against Chery Tiggo, 20-25, 20-25, 25-23, 25-15, 15-7, in the 2024-25 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) on Tuesday, January 21, at the Philsports Arena in Pasig.

The squad improved their record to 6-1, propelling them to the top of the team standings.

Aiza Maizo-Pontillas and Myla Pablo played a significant part in the Angels' pivotal runs in the third and fourth sets, but Brooke Van Sickle was the star of the fifth set, earning seven points — including five in a row to begin the final — to help Petro Gazz win for the fifth time in a row.

Van Sickle’s playing time was limited as a precaution due to a minor procedure on her left knee last December, but she still finished in double-digits with 10 points, along with 11 excellent digs. 

Coach Koji Tzuzurabara expressed pride in his wards following their stunning comeback, pointing out their enhanced communication and defense in the All-Filipino Conference.