UNIVERSITY of the Philippines ended a 17-game losing skid to Ateneo, shaking off a flat start to stun the two-time champions, 19-25, 25-22, 25-17, 25-22, in the UAAP Season 78 women’s volleyball tournament on Sunday at The Arena in San Juan.
UP last won the Battle of Katipunan on January 17, 2007 via a five-set thriller, 37-35, 22-25, 20-25, 25-17, 15-12, and didn't repeat the feat until nine years later - thanks to an audacious comeback from a set down.
UP reached match point, 24-19, via an Alyssa Valdez service error but the Lady Eagles threatened, 22-24, before rookie Isa Molde scored an off the block attack to seal the win for the Lady Maroons.
The Lady Maroons extended their winning run to three to improve to a 5-3 card.
The loss was a demoralizing blow for the defending champions Lady Eagles, who were looking to bounce back from a straight-sets loss to arch-rival La Salle the weekend before.
It was Ateneo's first back-to-back losses since Season 76 as it dropped to 6-2, still good for a share of the lead with the Lady Spikers.
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