UAAP: UP completes comeback victory for first women's volleyball win vs Ateneo in eight years

The University of the Philippines pulled off a comeback victory over Ateneo de Manila University, 17-25, 19-25, 25-22, 25-23, 16-14, in the UAAP Season 88 women’s volleyball tournament on Sunday at the Mall of Asia Arena.

The win marked UP’s first triumph over Ateneo since the second round of Season 80 in 2018, snapping an 11-game losing streak to the Blue Eagles.

In the deciding set, Ateneo held a 9-6 lead before UP responded with a 3-0 run to tie the match. The two teams battled to a 14-all deadlock, but Fina Ali delivered a crosscourt attack to give the Fighting Maroons match point. Niña Ytang then sealed the victory with a block, ending the marathon contest in two hours and 32 minutes.

Ali, playing her first game of the season for UP, added 13 points—all from attacks.

"Finally, we found a way to play our own game because we were worrying too much about what was happening on the other side. So, when we found that kind of rhythm, that kind of game that we like more, we became more effective,” said UP head coach Fabio Menta.

The victory spoiled a 21-point performance from JLo delos Santos and a 19-point outing from Ana Hermosura for Ateneo.

With the win, UP improved to 2-0, while Ateneo dropped to 0-2.

—JKC, GMA Integrated News