UP snaps five-game skid, soars past Adamson

University of the Philippines ended the first round of the UAAP Season 87 Men’s Volleyball Tournament on a high note after a 20-25, 25-18, 26-24, 25-20 triumph over Adamson University, Sunday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

This win gives UP a 2-5 record, putting them in sixth place, below Ateneo, La Salle, and UST’s 4-3 triple tie at third to fifth place, and just above the 1-6 Soaring Falcons and still-winless UE Red Warriors.

Foreign student athlete Olayemi Raheem led the charge for the Fighting Maroons, scoring 22 points off 18 attacks and four of the team’s seven blocks, while Adamson High School graduate Tommy Castrodes recorded a triple-double with 17 markers, 14 digs, and 23 receptions.

Despite a slow start in the opening frame, UP quickly found their groove, replying heavily on Raheem and Castrodes for offense. This was most evident in the third set, when the Fighting Maroons were down a set point at 23-24, until Castrodes scored two consecutive points, and Raheem blocked Ahmed Tahiluddin to cruise into a crucial two set to one advantage. sealed the deal.

The fourth set was tight, with no lead safe from both teams. Eventually, Raheem scored four of UP’s final five points, before Aguilar’s service error ultimately ended the match.

While Adamson’s Jude Aguilar’s 27 points caused problems for the Fighting Maroons, Louise Aballe’s 26 excellent sets allowed players like Gelay Lagando, Gelo Lipata, and Dan Nicolas to contribute 10, nine, and seven points, respectively. Aguilar, on the other hand, was assisted by Dan Gutierrez, Leo Coguimbal, and Marc Paulino, who each had 11 points.

In addition, converted libero Niño Bersano was a steady force for the team, finishing with 10 excellent digs and 22 excellent receptions, helping Castrodes chase loose balls from all over the court.

UP’s relentless ball coverage and defense also forced Adamson to commit more errors, finishing the match with 30 compared to UP’s 17.

As of posting, the UAAP has yet to release an official second round schedule.