Fighting Maroons survive undermanned Lady Warriors, halt seven-game skid

University of the Philippines recovered just in time to halt an undermanned but gritty University of the East’s comeback attempt with a 25-18, 26-24, 24-26, 13-25, 15-13 victory at the start of the UAAP Season 87 women’s volleyball at the Mall of Asia Arena on Saturday, Feb. 15.

Dannica Elis and Niña Ytang delivered in the crunch as the Fighting Maroons displayed nerves of steel after squandering a two-set lead to open their campaign on a good note.

The win also snapped UP’s seven-game losing skid dating back last year.

Joan Monares orchestrated UP’s attack throughout and finished with 17 points off 16 kills and one ace, while Kianne Olango and Irah Jaboneta added 15 and 12 points, respectively. Ytang contributed with 11 points.

The Fighting Maroons’ triumph overshadowed the efforts of KC Cepada for the Lady Warriors after the diminutive spiker sparkled with 24 points in a losing cause.

Nessa Bangayan and Kayce Balingit also added 17 and 12 points, respectively, in a failed attempt for UE.

Meanwhile, Far Eastern University rewarded returning coach Tina Salak with a 25-19, 16-25, 25-14, 25-20 victory over University of Santo Tomas.

Gerzel Petallo shone for the Lady Tams with 15 points off eight attacks, five blocks and two aces, while Faila Bakanke and Julianne Monares chipped in 16 and 14 points, respectively.

The Tigresses felt the absence of injured Jonah Perdido and Xyza Gula as Angge Poyos scored 13 points in a losing cause. — Mark Rey Montejo