UAAP: UP outlasts NU in five-set thriller, deals first loss in women's volleyball

The University of the Philippines handed National University its first loss in the UAAP Season 88 women’s volleyball tournament, escaping with a five-set victory, 16-25, 16-25, 25-22, 31-29, 18-16, on Saturday at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion in Manila.

Casiey Dongallo, Jelai Gajero, and Nina Ytang led the Fighting Maroons from being down 9-13 in the fifth set and eventually deal the Lady Bulldogs their first loss in the season.

Dongallo led the Fighting Maroons with 20 points built on 18 attacks and two blocks, along with four digs and four receptions. Gajero added 19 points from 15 attacks, three blocks, and an ace, while Ytang led UP's block party with seven blocks en route to an 18-point performance.

“I told the girls that people judge us every day, but we know what we’re doing. We can’t waste time on a good day or a bad day, or get too excited because people are laughing at us like the last game. The intelligence of this game is exactly there. They focus and try to focus full time,” UP head coach Fabio Menta said.

Vange Alinsug paced the Lady Bulldogs with 16 attacks and four aces, while Arah Panique chipped in 15 attacks, one block, and one ace. Sam Cantada, meanwhile, had 10 points before she was sidelined in the third set due to a collision with a teammate.

With the win, UP improved to 3-1, while NU dropped to a similar 3-1 record.

In the men’s division, the Bulldogs bounced back as NU swept UP, 28-26, 25-23, 25-20.

Leo Ordiales finished with 20 points, while Buds Buddin added 18 as NU improved to 3-1.

Olayemi Raheem scored 14 points for UP, which slipped to 2-2.

—JKC, GMA Integrated News