MANILA – UAAP women’s volleyball delivered its first major shocker of the season as the University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons pulled off a heart-stopping reverse sweep over the previously unbeaten National University Lady Bulldogs, 16-25, 16-25, 25-22, 31-29, 18-16, Saturday at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion.
Down two sets and on the brink of defeat, the Fighting Maroons dug deep to hand the Lady Bulldogs their first loss of the season in a statement victory that sent shockwaves across the tournament.
NU dictated the early pace, dominating the first two sets behind a steady offense and airtight floor defense as UP struggled to find its rhythm. But the Maroons refused to fold.
UP regrouped in the third set, tightening its defense and minimizing unforced errors to extend the match. The fourth set turned into a classic, with the Maroons fending off match points before escaping with a nerve-wracking 31-29 win to force a decider.
With momentum firmly on their side, UP displayed poise in the fifth set, executing in crunch time to outlast NU in an 18-16 thriller and complete the stunning comeback.
Jelai Gajero spearheaded the resurgence with 19 points, while Casiey Dongallo and Niña Ytang chipped in 18 markers apiece as the Fighting Maroons improved to 3-1, tying the Lady Bulldogs in the standings.
UST sweeps UE on home floor
In the other match, the University of Santo Tomas Golden Tigresses made quick work of the University of the East Lady Warriors, cruising to a 25-11, 25-14, 25-14 sweep.
Negrense playmaker Cassie Carballo orchestrated UST’s fluid offense with 13 excellent sets and added five points to earn Player of the Game honors as the Golden Tigresses evened their record at 2-2.
Angeline Poyos paced UST with 11 points built on eight attacks, two blocks, and one service ace, while Jonna Perdido delivered her best outing of the season with 10 points, six excellent digs, and four excellent receptions.
UST seized control early and never looked back, overwhelming UE with superior net defense and disciplined floor coverage to close out the match in dominant fashion.
Khy Cepada led the Lady Warriors with nine points, along with four excellent digs and two excellent receptions, as UE remained winless at 0-4./PN
