MANILA — The University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons and the De La Salle University Lady Spikers wasted no time asserting their credentials in UAAP Season 88 women’s volleyball, hacking out commanding victories Saturday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City to open their respective campaigns at 1-0.
UP repelled a brief third-set uprising from University of the East before sealing a 25-12, 25-9, 21-25, 25-19 triumph, while La Salle survived a late scare from Far Eastern University to complete a 25-19, 25-14, 27-25 sweep.
For UP, Ilongga Irah Jaboneta and Niña Ytang anchored the attack with 14 points each, setting the tone in the first two sets where the Fighting Maroons overwhelmed the Lady Warriors with crisp ball distribution and disciplined floor defense.
Kianne Olango and Casiey Dongallo chipped in 13 markers apiece as UP raced to a two-set lead, limiting UE to single digits in the second frame.
The Lady Warriors showed grit in the third, capitalizing on UP miscues to extend the match, but the Maroons quickly regrouped in the fourth. Jaboneta, Olango, and Jelai Gajero delivered crucial points down the stretch to snuff out UE’s momentum and secure the opening-day victory.
Nessa Bangayan paced the Lady Warriors with 19 points, while Beatrice Zamudio and IC Cepada added 14 and 10, respectively, as UE slipped to 0-1.
Meanwhile, the Lady Spikers leaned on their proven core to dismantle FEU in straight sets, although not without resistance in the closing stretch.
Negrense star Angel Canino turned in a steady all-around performance, finishing with 15 points on 13 attacks to provide stability for La Salle. Shevana Laput erupted for a match-high 23 points built on 20 attacks, two blocks, and one service ace, while Ilongga middle blocker Amie Provido fortified the net with 11 points, highlighted by six blocks.
La Salle dictated tempo early, cruising through the first two sets before FEU mounted a late push in the third. The Lady Tamaraws even seized a 24-22 edge, threatening to extend the contest.
But the Lady Spikers kept their composure, forcing a deuce before Laput unleashed back-to-back points to close out the sweep.
Gerzel Petallo led FEU with 11 points, and Clarisse Loresco chipped in seven as the Lady Tamaraws absorbed a 0-1 start.
With both UP and La Salle off to winning beginnings, an early collision course between two of the league’s contenders is already brewing as Season 88 gathers pace./PN
