The clock struck 12 for University of the Philippines’ dream Cinderella run, as their hunt for a final four spot has officially come to an end, following their straight set defeat to twice-to-beat seeking University of Santo Tomas, 20-25, 21-25, 18-25 in the UAAP Season 87 Women’s Volleyball Tournament on Wednesday afternoon at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.

The Fighting Maroons’ last Final Four appearance was in UAAP Season 78, nine years ago. Incidentally, UP was also the host during that season.  UP currently sits at fifth place with a 6-7 record.

Completing the Final Four cast this year are National University, University of Santo Tomas, De La Salle University, and Far Eastern University, the same set of schools that competed in the semifinals last year.  UST, DLSU (both with 9-4 record), and FEU (with an 8-5 record)  are still in the running for the last twice-to-beat advantage in the semis, which NU (11-2) has already secured as the number one team.

During the first set, the Golden Tigresses had an early 17-9 lead against UP, but the Fighting Maroons staged a 7-0 run to get within one at 16-17.  However, momentum once again shifted to España when their ace spiker Angge Poyos rotated to the front.  Lefty hitter Regina Jurado ended the set with a cross-court hit. 

The Fighting Maroons kept it close during the second frame, as both teams traded points throughout until the score reached 20-all. From then on, UST closed out the set to gain a 2-0 lead with a 5-1 run, anchored by two kills from Poyos and three points from middle blocker Em Banagua, who sealed the set with a kill block against Niña Ytang.

Gaining momentum from their second set win, the Golden Tigresses started the third set strong with an early 7-1 advantage.  UST eventually out-attacked UP during the third frame, and had a comfortable 23-14 lead towards the end.  UP tried to muster another run, scoring three consecutive points via back to back attacks from Ytang and Kianne Olango, and an attack error from Ashley Knop, to bring the game to 23-17, but the Maroons killed their own momentum with a net touch error, sending UST to match point, before outside hitter Mabeth Hilongo delivered the winning point for the Tigresses. 

Banagua, who missed most of UST’s game due to injuries, was named player of the match, after tallying a career-high eight kill blocks, on top of four attack points, to total 12 points. Poyos, meanwhile, was UST’s top scorer with 19 points, while defending best setter Cassie Carballo dished out 21 excellent sets.

Niña Ytang was UP’s top scorer, and the lone Fighting Maroon to score in double digits at 16, coming from three kill blocks and 13 attacks at 43% efficiency.  Kassy Doering, Joan Monares, and Kianne Olango each had 7 points. Irah Jaboneta and Yesha Capistrano provided excellent floor defense, with Jaboneta tallying 11 digs and 11 receptions at 65% efficiency, on top of her 4 attack points.  Capistrano meanwhile delivered 14 excellent receptions at 58% efficiency, as well as 17 digs.

UP will try to secure fifth place when they go up against the Adamson Lady Falcons for their final assignment of the season at 1 PM on Sunday, April 27.  UST, on the other hand, will engage in a finals rematch for their last game of the elimination round, as they will face defending champions NU at 5 PM on the same date.  Both games will be played at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.

This UP Fighting Maroons Club post is made in partnership with Jiang Nan Hotpot.