Who doesn’t love a good underdog story? If you’re a fan of heart-stopping volleyball action, surprises, and staying alive when the odds are stacked against you, you’re going to want to hear this.
In what can only be described as a thriller at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, the University of the Philippines (UP) Fighting Maroons clawed their way to a season-defining victory over the La Salle Lady Spikers. The marathon match ended in five nail-biting sets, 26-24, 18-25, 19-25, 25-22, 16-14 — and trust us, it was every bit as wild as that score suggests.
Let’s dive into how UP flipped the script and reminded everyone: never count out a team with heart.
The Comeback Kid Energy: UP Refuses to Fold
Turning around a match after being down two sets to one isn’t for the faint-hearted — but that’s exactly what UP pulled off.
They didn’t just compete. They battled, grinded, and brought a fire that wouldn’t quit.
At one point in the fourth set, things weren’t looking too rosy for UP. Down 15-17 after a clutch service ace by La Salle’s Alleiah Malaluan, it looked like the Fighting Maroons were on the cusp of elimination. But then, enter Kianne Olango and Joan Monares like the dynamic duo no one saw coming. Their determined plays turned the set around, leading to a 25-22 win and forcing a deciding fifth set.
Strong Finishes are Built on Grit (and a Little Drama)
Picture this: Fifth set, 4-all. Everyone’s biting their nails. A slip-up by Monares levels the score, but UP channels that minor mishap into a massive 6-1 surge — thanks again to La Salle handing over some crucial errors.
Still, La Salle wasn’t about to hand over the match without a fight. They roared back to close the gap to just one (12-13). But then — cue the tension — a service error by Amie Provido gave UP match point at 14-12. Just when fans thought it was over, La Salle’s Angel Canino rose to the occasion, tying it 14-all with back-to-back heroics.
What do you do when the momentum swings like a wild pendulum?
If you’re UP: you stay cool, rely on your clutch team leaders, and finish the job.
A quick strike from Kassandra Doering, then a final kill by Monares — match over. Smart Araneta erupted. And the Fighting Maroons proved they’re more than just contenders — they’re survivors.
Meet the Game-Changers: Player Highlights
- 🎯 Joan Monares stepped up big time with 16 points — 15 of them fierce attacks and one solid block.
- 💪 Kassandra Doering, always reliable and explosive, added 15 points, and her late-game poise helped tilt the scales in UP’s favor.
- ✨ Kianne Olango and Nina Ytang brought balance with 14 and 11 points, respectively, controlling the tempo and keeping pressure on La Salle throughout.
For La Salle, Shevana Laput reminded everyone why she’s one of the best, dropping 27 points with a mix of fierce spikes, blocks, and aces. Angel Canino was right behind with 25, showcasing skill and grit in equal measure. And Provido pitched in with 12.
What’s Next: The Final Four Race Just Got Juicy
UP now improves to 6-6 on the UAAP Season 87 scoreboard — not quite safe, but definitely in the hunt. They’re chasing the 8-5 Far Eastern University (FEU) Lady Tamaraws and still have two chances to sneak into the Final Four:
- 🆚 UST on April 23
- 🆚 Adamson on April 27
La Salle, meanwhile, is tied with UST at 8-4 and has their work cut out for them with:
- 🆚 Adamson on April 23
- 🆚 FEU on April 26
Last stretch of the season and every match matters. One slip could be the difference between advancing and packing up.
Final Thoughts: More Than Just a Win
This win isn’t just about numbers or standings. It’s a statement.
The UP Fighting Maroons showed the kind of heart and hustle you can’t coach. It’s earned on the court, play by play. And now, with two games left and momentum on their side, this team has more than just a fighting chance — they’ve got belief.
So if you’re watching the race to the Final Four: keep an eye on UP. Because they’re not done yet — not even close.
And honestly? We love to see it.