UP stages fourth set comeback against FEU in women’s volleyball
The University of the Philippines (UP) staged a remarkable comeback from a large deficit in the fourth set to claim a 23-25, 25-23, 25-17, 25-23 victory over Far Eastern University (FEU), maintaining their undefeated record early in the UAAP Season 87 Women’s Volleyball Tournament on Wednesday, February 19, at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City.
With the win, the Fighting Maroons improved to 2-0, while the Lady Tamaraws dropped to 1-1.
The victory also marked an improvement for UP, already surpassing their total wins from Season 86, where they finished at the bottom with a 1-13 record.
Joan Monares led UP with 19 points and eight receptions but credited her teammates for their collective effort, emphasizing the contributions of both rookies and veterans in their recovery after losing Set 1.
“This season, our rookies have been a huge help in elevating the team,” Monares said after the match. “Although they’re new, we’re working on building our connection both on and off the court.”
UP outscored FEU 60-48 in total points, but head coach Benson Bocboc highlighted his team’s impressive floor defense as the key to their success.
“I think it’s natural because when I came here, I didn’t have to do much,” said Bocboc. “They’re already chasing down balls and playing defense. What’s really great is they don’t mind getting hurt as long as they get the ball. Sometimes they forget, so we remind them, but in general, they always bounce back quickly.”
The match was close in the first two sets, but UP capitalized on the momentum from their Set 2 win to rule the third. Despite trailing, 14-7 in the fourth set, Monares and her teammates rallied to secure the victory.
Standout rookie Kianne Olango and veteran Niña Ytang added 17 and 15 markers, respectively, for the Fighting Maroons, while Irah Jaboneta contributed 11 behind Jaz Manguilimotan’s 17 sets.
UP will look to extend its perfect start to 3-0 when they face winless Ateneo de Manila University on Sunday, February 23, at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
Meanwhile, FEU relied on Clarisse Loresco and Chenie Tagaod, who scored 11 and 10 points, respectively, but the efforts weren’t enough as they fell to a 1-1 record in the standings.
