With University of the Philippines’ Final Four aspirations hanging by a thread, the Fighting Maroons found timely relief through Joan Monares, rookie standout Kianne Olango, and American middle blocker Kassandra Doering to keep their slim postseason hopes alive in the UAAP Season 87 Women’s Volleyball Tournament.
Powered by the trio’s contributions, UP pulled off another stunning upset—this time toppling De La Salle University in five thrilling sets, 26-24, 18-25, 19-25, 25-22, 16-14—on Sunday at the SMART Araneta Coliseum.
The victory not only kept UP’s dream of ending a six-year Final Four drought alive, but also spoiled the Lady Spikers’ first attempt at securing their 15th straight postseason appearance.
Reeling from a tough loss to Far Eastern University, the Fighting Maroons bounced back in the biggest way, improving to an even 6-6 record with two games left in the eliminations.
However, the job is far from done for UP. To strengthen their Final Four bid over contenders like UST (8-4) and FEU (8-5), the Maroons must secure victories in their last two assignments: against the Golden Tigresses on Wednesday, April 23, at the SM Mall of Asia Arena, and versus the Adamson Lady Falcons on Sunday, April 27, at the Big Dome.
“Maganda yung nagawa. May mga parts na nawawala sa plano, so medyo napapasigaw tayo doon, pero bumabalik naman. Simple lang naman yung laro ‘eh, susunod lang naman sa game plan, and I think, magco-connect lahat doon. Roller coaster na naman, pero good thing na nagwork sila in crucial times yung mga ine-expect na gagawa,” UP head coach Benson Bocboc said, who led the Fighting Maroons to their first win over the Lady Spikers since Season 81 in 2019 after suffering seven straight losses.
After a Monares attack went wide that locked the fifth set at four-all, UP remained composed in the clutch, uncorking a pivotal 6-1 run — capped with an off-the-block hit from Monares, a Julyana Tolentino net touch, and an Alleiah Malaluan attack error — to build a five-point, 10-5 cushion.
The Fighting Maroons brought this strong start until arriving at match point behind a crucial service error from Amie Provido, but Season 85 Rookie-MVP Angel Canino powered the Lady Spikers’ final stand. She unleashed a crosscourt hit, then followed it up with a rejection on Olango to send the decisive fifth set to extended play at 14-all.
Once again, UP showcased ice-cold composure in the dying moments — Doering nailed a quick attack, while Monares converted the game-winning down-the-line attack to remain in the thick of the Final Four race with a two hour, 25-minute five-set triumph.
Monares reprised the match winner that keyed UP’s stunning reversal of defending champion National University last March 26.
“I am grateful na pinagkakatiwalaan ako ng teammates ko. Malaking bagay ‘yon para sa akin na ibibigay sa akin yung last point, and as much as possible, gawin talaga siyang puntos para sa team,” Monares said, who fueled the Fighting Maroons with 16 points on 15 attacks with seven excellent digs and five excellent receptions.
