UPSET number three is in the books for the University of the Philippines.
The Fighting Maroons claimed another huge scalp after rallying by La Salle, 26-24, 18-25, 19-25, 25-22, 16-14, in UAAP Season 87 women’s volleyball on Saturday at Araneta Coliseum.
Such a statement win snapped State U’s seven-game skid to the Lady Spikers, one that had ran for four seasons.
The last time the Diliman side got the better of its Taft counterparts was in Season 81 back in 2019.
In a game of runs, former La Salle deputy Benson Bocboc’s new wards made sure to seize control of the all-important breaks in the first and fourth sets.
UP fired a 5-0 blitz from 21-24 down to save three set points and draw first blood from out of nowhere over the Taft towers.
Then came a pair of rather expected fightbacks from the Season 85 champions to regain the lead at two sets to one.
But after a 5-3 blitz in the fourth set, the Fighting Maroons took the driver’s seat and stood undeterred in the fifth frame to replicate their shockers of Final Four contender Far Eastern University and defending champion National U.
UP already had a firm hold of the fifth-set tiebreak, up 10-5, right before La Salle powered through with a 9-4 run to draw level at 14-all where it saved two match points.
All it took in the end was a quick tap of the ball from the middle by one-and-done ace Kassy Doering then a kill hit from Joan Monares to put the Lady Spikers away.
Doering had 15 markers, as Monares dished out 15 points, seven digs and five receptions.
Irah Jaboneta was a point shy of a triple-double with nine markers, 18 digs, and 16 receptions.
Herculean efforts from Shevana Laput (27 points) and Angel Canino (25 points) went for naught, as the green-and-white's Final Four entry has been delayed.
UAAP Season 87 playoff picture remains unclear
UP’s win not only saved its last-gasp Final Four bid, but also denied La Salle, FEU, and University of Santo Tomas instant entry to the semis.
The Lady Spikers now share an 8-4 card with the Golden Tigresses, followed closely by the Lady Tamaraws at 8-5.
State U, at 6-6, must win its last two assignments against UST and Adamson to at least force a playoff for a Final Four spot — one that could be its first in nine years since Season 78.
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