Solomon 30-piece strengthens NU grip on lead

c/o UAAP Media Team

UAAP Season 87 Women’s Volleyball Standings

Team W-L
NU 9-1
DLSU 6-3
FEU 6-4
UST 5-4  
UP 5-5
Ateneo 4-5
AdU 3-6
UE 0-10

Games on Wednesday at the SMART-Araneta Coliseum

9 a.m. - DLSU vs Ateneo (Men)
11 a.m. - UST vs AdU (Men)
1 p.m. - DLSU vs Ateneo (Women)
3 p.m. - UST vs AdU (Women)

Alyssa Solomon unleashed a 30-piece, helping National University rediscover its winning ways but not without a tough challenge from Far Eastern University, carving out a 25-22, 24-26, 26-24, 25-18 victory in the UAAP Season 87 Women’s Volleyball Tournament at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, Sunday.

The Lady Bulldogs, fresh off a painful 24-26, 25-23, 25-17, 23-25, 12-15 loss to the UP Fighting Maroons, bounced back to strengthen their grip of the top spot at 9-1, two and a half games above second-running De La Salle Lady Spikers at 6-3.

With its aim of jumping straight to the Finals vanished, NU is now training its eyes of finishing in the top two after the eliminations.

"Syempre, thankful talaga kami kasi nakarecover kami from last game. Yun naman yung pinaka importante palagi, makarecover kami sa loss namin, maka-move on so start ulit. Start ulit para makakuha ng twice-to-beat,” said NU head coach Sherwin Meneses.

Camilla Lamina tossed a beautiful combination play that saw the Lady Tamaraws’ blockers jump early, resulting in a Vange Alinsug off-the-block hit to put the Lady Bulldogs in set point in the third before Bella Belen finished it off to put them ahead, 26-24.

Then the defending champions channeled all the momentum they got from that close win as Alyssa Solomon wreaked havoc in the fourth leading to a huge 19-10 advantage on the way to the bounce back win.

FEU launched a fiery comeback, closing in within 17-20 but NU was too poised to squander its nine-point cushion, finishing with a 5-1 closer to avoid going to a deciding set just like they did in their first round encounter, a 25-15, 23-25, 24-26, 26-23, 15-8 escape for the Lady Bulldogs.

Solomon, Erin Pangilinan, Bella Belen, and Alinsug banged in the final five points to secure the win after two hours and 25 minutes.

“Thankful ako sa nangyari sa UP game namin kasi para sa akin nakita ko siya as wake up call na dapat di kami maging complacent talaga kahit number one kami. After ng game na yon, nag move forward agad kami at trinabaho namin kung ano yung mga dapat trabahuin and thankful naman kami kasi marami kaming lessons na nakuha sa game na yun,” said Solomon, who made 26 attacks, three blocks, and an ace.

Two-time MVP Belen added 18 points, 14 digs, and 13 receptions, while Alinsug had 13 points.

Lamina delivered 30 excellent sets while Shaira Jardio registered 27 excellent digs and 12 receptions.

NU looks to get another winning streak going when it battles Adamson University next Sunday at the Big Dome while FEU seeks to rebound against University of the Philippines on the same day.

Meanwhile, the Lady Tamaraws slipped to 6-4 at solo third but with fourth-place UST Golden Tigresses not far behind at 5-4.

Congolese opposite hitter Faida Bakanke carried the fight for FEU with 21 points while middle blockers Jean Asis and Jazlyn Ellarina got 16 and 15 points, respectively.

Outside spikers Gerzel Petallo and Chenie Tagaod only made nine and eight points, respectively, but shone defensively with the former tallying 11 digs and 10 receptions while the latter collected 14 receptions and 10 digs.

UP just on the outside looking in postseason race

c/o UAAP Media Team

Games on Wednesday at the SMART-Araneta Coliseum

9 a.m. - DLSU vs Ateneo (Men)
11 a.m. - UST vs AdU (Men)
1 p.m. - DLSU vs Ateneo (Women)
3 p.m. - UST vs AdU (Women)

RIDING from the momentum of its stunner over National University, University of the Philippines booted out University of the East, 25-21, 25-18, 25-17, to fan its Final Four aspirations in the UAAP Season 87 Women’s Volleyball Tournament at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, Sunday.

The Fighting Maroons evened out their record at 5-5, now at solo fifth spot and just half a game below fourth-running UST Golden Tigresses at 5-4.

Despite the win though, UP head coach Benson Bocboc was far from satisfied even if his team nabbed its first straight-set win since Season 84, a 25-10, 25-19, 25-7 victory against Far Eastern University.

“Medyo magulo, medyo magulo ‘yung galaw ng team ngayon. So maraming errors ‘yung kalaban kaya nagkataon, we got the game. Pero sa amin, kulang. Kulang pa so siguro medyo shaky pa nung umpisa pero darating ‘yung time… kasi second round na eh, hindi na pwede ‘yung ganun na shaky,” said Bocboc.

(“The team’s movement is a bit messy right now. The opponent made a lot of errors, so it just so happened that we got the game. But for us, it’s not enough. We’re still lacking, and maybe we were a bit shaky at the start. But the time will come… since it’s already the second round, we can’t afford to be shaky anymore.")

Knotted at five in the third set, Irah Jaboneta, Kassy Doering, Kianne Olango, and Joan Monares teamed up for seven straight points, 12-5, that put the game away for the Fighting Maroons, finishing the match in just 83 minutes.

Monares led UP’s offense with 15 points while Irah Jaboneta showed a well-rounded display of 13 points, nine digs, and eight receptions.

Doering and Olango also had eight points each while libero Giesha Capistrano tallied 11 excellent digs and nine receptions.

“I’m just trying to be at my best as much as I can and try to do my best for my team. These stats don’t happen just on one’s own. It comes from the pass, it comes from the set, it comes from everyone so for me, it’s just being at my best and staying disciplined in everything that I do.,” said the one-and-done American middle blocker Doering.

UP will seek a third straight win next Sunday when it faces FEU at the Big Dome.   The Fighting Maroons defeated the Lady Tamaraws early in the season.

On the other hand, UE fell out of Final Four contention after receiving its 10th straight defeat. The Lady Warriors return on Saturday against De La Salle University.

Van Bangayan was the lone bright spot for UE with 13 points, while Khy Cepada was held to just four points in the first two sets before being replaced in the third.

NU ends FEU's undefeated run in men's volleyball

c/o UAAP Media Team

UAAP Season 87 Men’s Volleyball Standings

Team W-L

FEU 9-1
NU 8-2
Ateneo 6-3
UST 5-4
DLSU 5-4
UP 3-7
AdU 2-7
UE 0-10

Games on Wednesday at the SMART-Araneta Coliseum

9 a.m. - DLSU vs Ateneo (Men)
11 a.m. - UST vs AdU (Men)
1 p.m. - DLSU vs Ateneo (Women)
3 p.m. - UST vs AdU (Women)

National University reminded the UAAP Men’s Volleyball competition that it is still the team to beat despite key losses, handing Far Eastern University its first loss of the Season 87 tournament.

Flaunting their championship form, the Bulldogs clawed their way back from the brink, rallying back for a 17-25, 25-21, 17-25, 25-14, 15-9 victory, Sunday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

With the win, five-peat-seeking NU not only strengthened its title defense but also secured a traditional Final Four format after the elimination round, improving to an 8-2 record—just one game behind FEU, which dropped to 9-1.

“Sobrang thankful sa sitwasyon namin na kahit down kami ng set, pinilit namin na maibalik yung laro namin, makita yung pasensya namin sa loob ng court. Lumabas ‘yung laro ni Leo. Buti nung huli nacontrol namin, kami ‘yung nagdictate ng tempo at nakuha namin ang panalo,” said NU head coach Dante Alinsunurin.

After dominating the fourth set, the momentum never left NU’s side in the decider.

The Bulldogs overwhelmed the Tamaraws with a commanding 9-2 start, fueled by a balanced attack from middle blockers Peng Taguibolos and Obed Mukaba, who combined for five points, alongside key contributions from Michaelo Buddin, Leo Ordiales, and Leo Aringo.

In that scorching opening run, NU scored four points from solid blocks, four from spikes, and one from an ace, leaving the Tamaraws scrambling to recover.

The Bulldogs never let up since then, sealing the statement win after two hours and five minutes to remind the league that the road to the championship still runs through them.

“Sa mindset lang namin kasi wala pa silang talo, sila ‘yung may pressure, kami po wala kaya ginawa lang namin ‘yung best namin at sumunod lang kami sa sistema. Tapos kailangan lang talaga ng direction para makuha namin ‘yung panalo,” said Ordiales, who came off the bench and produced a career-best 19 points on 14 spikes, three blocks, and two aces.

Buddin ably backed him up with 16 points on 11 attacks, three aces, and two blocks along with seven digs and seven receptions, while team captain Aringo held the Bulldogs together and made 14 points, 20 receptions, and five digs.

Taguibolos and Mukaba also chipped in 10 and six points, respectively, including two and three blocks out of their team’s 14 rejections, eight more than their opponents.

NU will look to extend its winning streak to three when it takes on Adamson University next Sunday at the Big Dome, while FEU will aim to bounce back against the UP Fighting Maroons on the same day.

Dryx Saavedra paced the Tamaraws with 20 points while Mikko Espartero had 15.

Ariel Cacao, who had 21 excellent sets in a four-set win over University of the East last time out, could not deliver the ball well this time, tossing just 15 excellent sets in the five-setter.

FEU, UST split inaugural UAAP rapid chess titles

c/o UAAP Media Team

FAR Eastern University and University of Santo Tomas each secured two championships as the inaugural UAAP Season 87 Rapid Chess Championships came to a close Saturday at the Adamson Gym.

The Baby Tamaraws reaffirmed their dominance in the boys' division with another undefeated run to the crown, capped by a commanding 3-1 victory over the Junior Male Woodpushers in the finals. Meanwhile, the Lady Tamaraws overcame two early setbacks in the tournament to stage an impressive comeback and claim the women's title.

In the boys' division finals, Jerish John Velarde set the tone for FEU by defeating FIDE Master Alekhine Nouri on the top board. Franklin Andes followed suit with a win over Jian Carlo Rivera on Board 3. Oscar Cantela and Lemmuel Adena sealed the triumph with crucial draws against John Cyrus Borce and Sumer Oncita on Board 2 and Board 4, respectively.

"Yung women's team namin, I think they're the most unexpected na magpopodium finish kasi nung eliminations, first day pa lang nakadalawang talo na sila. Of course, we were hoping for the best na magchampion pero realistically, nung kakasimula pa lang ng laban, medyo tumagilid. But we talked to the players and nagtraining naman din kami," said FEU assistant coach Janelle Frayna, reflecting on their championship run in the women's division. The Lady Tamaraws upended league-leader Ateneo de Manila University with a dominant 3.5-0.5 win in the finals.

("Our women's team, I think, was the most unexpected to reach the podium because, in the eliminations, they already had two losses on the first day. Of course, we were hoping for the best and aiming to become champions, but realistically, at the start of the tournament, things weren’t looking good. However, we talked to the players, and we also trained.")

"Minsan yung mga bata, they doubt their capabilities. I think that's what happened in the first day. Now, we just treated it one game at a time. Yung first na laban sa La Salle sa semis was very close. Maybe may luck factor din. Then dito sa finals, unexpectedly na 4-0 namin ang Ateneo. That's a very decisive advantage I guess kasi next match isang draw lang, champion na," added Frayna, a Woman Grandmaster and UAAP Season 77 Athlete of the Year.

("Sometimes, young players doubt their capabilities. I think that’s what happened on the first day. So, we just took it one game at a time. Our first match against La Salle in the semifinals was very close. Maybe luck also played a factor. Then in the finals, we unexpectedly swept Ateneo 4-0. That was a very decisive advantage, I guess, because in the next match, we only needed a draw to secure the championship.")

Ateneo topped the elimination stage with an undefeated record but failed to replicate its earlier 3.5-0.5 victory over FEU in Round 1.

FEU demonstrated its chess supremacy by reaching the finals in all four divisions. However, the Tamaraws suffered upset losses to UST in both the girls' and men's divisions, despite emerging as the top seeds in the single-round robin elimination stage.

In the girls' division, UST's Daren Dela Cruz and Iana Sotaridona secured crucial victories over Woman FIDE Master April Joy Claros and Kate Ordizo on Board 1 and Board 4, respectively. Kara Meneses then drew against Lyn Getubig, clinching the title for the Tigresses.

UST head coach Ronald Dableo acknowledged that luck played a role in their double championship triumph.

"May kasamang swerte yung nangyari. Naunahan kami nung elimination round eh. So everybody's game na yung labanan. Lumabas yung swerte. Tulad nito, losing na yung board 2 ko. Biro mo napakain nang buo yung tore nang kalaban. May luck din talaga. Pero nerve nga yun ng game," Dableo admitted.

("There was some luck involved in what happened. We fell behind in the elimination round, so the competition became anyone’s game. Then luck came into play. For example, my player on Board 2 was already losing, but unbelievably, the opponent ended up blundering their entire rook. There really was an element of luck, but that’s just part of the game.")

The UST Male Woodpushers had a slow start, opening the tournament with a loss and a draw before winning three straight matches to secure the third seed heading into the crossover semifinals. In the finals, they forced a tiebreaker after splitting the two matches against FEU, both ending in identical 2.5-1.5 results.

FIDE Master Christian Mark Daluz's fated showdown with FIDE Master Mark Bacojo became the decisive match, ultimately awarding the championship to UST.

UST had previously fallen to FEU in the girls' division elimination round with a tight 1.5-2.5 loss. However, they made key adjustments heading into the playoffs, which proved instrumental in their title-winning campaign.

Dableo credited UST assistant coach and Grandmaster Darwin Laylo for their strategic preparations, particularly in the girls' division.

"Malaki naitulong ni Coach Darwin Laylo kasi grandmaster to eh. With regards sa preparation, tinatap ko talaga siya. Sabi ko pre linya mo yan. Alam mo na gagawin diyan. Maraming games na napakinabangan ng girls division namin (yung mga preparations niya). Yung tinuro niya, nagamit sa laro kaya naging madali yung laban. Yun ang naging main factor namin laban sa FEU sa girls eh. Yun preparation ni Coach Dar, malaking bagay yun," Dableo remarked after their 2.5-1.5 victory over FEU in the finals.

("Coach Darwin Laylo was a huge help because he's a grandmaster. When it came to preparation, I really relied on him. I told him, 'Bro, this is your line. You know what to do here.' His preparations greatly benefited our girls' division. What he taught them was applied in the games, making the matches easier. That was the main factor in our win against FEU in the girls' division. Coach Dar's preparation was a big deal.")

Following Ateneo at third place in the women's division was De La Salle University, which defeated UST in the battle for bronze.

In the men's division, University of the Philippines edged out La Salle to claim third place.

Meanwhile, Ateneo and National University Nazareth School secured third-place finishes in the boys' and girls' divisions, respectively.

The awarding of podium winners, along with the announcement of individual awards, will take place alongside the UAAP Blitz Chess Championships awarding ceremony on April 5.

UP keeps flickering postseason hopes alive in men's volleyball

c/o UAAP Media Team

Games on Wednesday at the SMART-Araneta Coliseum

9 a.m. - DLSU vs Ateneo (Men)
11 a.m. - UST vs AdU (Men)
1 p.m. - DLSU vs Ateneo (Women)
3 p.m. - UST vs AdU (Women)

University of the Philippines put life to its dwindling UAAP Season 87 Men’s Volleyball Final Four hopes by eliminating University of the East, 25-21, 25-21, 22-25, 25-21, Sunday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The Fighting Maroons arrested a two-game slide to improve their record to 3-7 in the sixth spot, just two and a half games behind joint-fourth UST Golden Spikers and De La Salle Green Spikers (5-4) with four games left in their schedule.

This victory also surpassed UP’s two-win total last season.

“Na-highlight ‘yung lapses namin nung third set and we were not able to execute. Going to the next, we just got back to the system, as long as we’re in sync we’re gonna play well naman,” said Fighting Maroons head coach Carlo Cabatingan.

("Our lapses were highlighted in the third set, and we were not able to execute. Going into the next set, we just got back to the system. As long as we're in sync, we're going to play well.")

The Red Warriors extended the match when the 2025 PNVF U21 MVP Isaiah Roca took matters to his own hands. With UP on top in the third, 22-21, Roca unleashed three points while Axel Defeo also served up an ace to give UE the 25-22 winner.

However, first-year players Tommy Castrodes and Olayemi Raheem proved to be too much as they led the Fighting Maroons’ 14-8 strong start en route to the win in two hours and a minute.

“We start palagi sa ensayo. Doon kami kumukuha ng kumpyansa then gagawin lang namin sa actual game. Consistency lang talaga and laban,” said Castrodes, who had 16 points, 16 receptions, and eight digs.

("We always start with practice. That's where we build our confidence, and then we just apply it in the actual game. It's all about consistency and fighting.")

Raheem top-scored for the Maroons with 22 points while converted outside hitter Angelo Lipata added nine points and nine receptions.

Dan Nicolas chipped in eight points while Angelo Lagando got seven with rookie playmaker Louise Aballe lobbing 27 excellent sets.

UP, trying to pull off a late run to the postseason festivities, will have a tough battle ahead though as it will face league-leading Far Eastern University next Sunday, still at the Big Dome.

The Red Warriors stayed winless after 10 games, seeing their long-standing drought extended to 17 matches dating back to Season 86’s second round.

Four players scored in double figures in the defeat led by Raquim Aceron’s 20 points and 30 excellent receptions.

Captain Xjhann Camaymayan made 12 points, while Roca and Roy Piojo had 11 and 10 points, respectively.

UE, despite being eliminated from contention, still continues its chase for the elusive win on Saturday against La Salle at the same venue.

UST, UP earn twice-to-beat advantage in UAAP men's tennis

UAAP Season 87 Tennis Standings

Men's
**UST 10-1
**NU 9-2
*UE 7-4
*UP 7-4
ˣAteneo 3-8
ˣAdU 2-9
ˣDLSU 1-11

Women's
***UST 7-1
***NU 7-1
ˣUP 4-4
ˣDLSU 1-6
ˣAteneo 0-7

*Final Four
**Twice-to-beat
***Finals
ˣEliminated

Ties on Sunday at the Felicisimo Ampon Tennis Center

7 a.m. - AdU vs. NU (Men's)
7 a.m. - DLSU vs. Ateneo (Women's)
2 p.m. - UP vs. UE (Men's)
2 p.m. - Ateneo vs. UST (Men’s)

UNIVERSITY of Santo Tomas and National University secured twice-to-beat advantages in the UAAP Season 87 Men's Tennis Tournament with victories over University of the East and University of the Philippines, respectively, on Saturday at the Felicisimo Ampon Tennis Center in Manila.

The pivotal first doubles match saw Richard Bautista and Nash Agustines fend off a determined Kiz Bryan Cinco and Mark Dave Palanas, 6-2, 6-2, securing a 3-2 victory and bolstering the Male Tennisters’ bid for a third consecutive title in the tournament, also supported by Wilson Philippines.

“Sa Final Four, I think UP at UE ‘yung magtatapat bukas. Kung sino ‘yung kalaban, sila ‘yung makakalaban namin so prepared kami,” said UST team captain Nilo Ledama.

(“In the Final Four, I think UP and UE will face each other tomorrow. Whoever wins will be our opponent, so we are prepared.")

“For me and for my team, isa-isa naming fino-focus ‘yung kalaban namin kasi… for example, [sa] UE, hindi naman lahat [ng player] makakalaban ko so each of us maghahanda sa kalaban namin. Like sa singles, ako pinaghahandaan ko ‘yung tatlong singles nila kasi ‘di ko alam kung sino ‘yung makakalaban ko.”

(“For me and my team, we focus on our opponents one at a time because, for example, with UE, I won’t be facing all of their players. Each of us prepares for our respective matchups. In singles, I specifically prepare for their three singles players since I don’t know who I’ll be up against.”)

Reigning MVP Ledama set the tone early with a composed 6-3, 6-1 victory over Red Warrior JB Aguilar in the second singles match. Ericjay Tangub maintained the pressure, battling through the second singles to claim a 6-3, 6-4 win over UE’s Gerald Gemida.

Marc Suson kept UE’s hopes alive with a gritty 6-2, 2-6, 6-4 triumph over Sebastian Santos in first singles. However, Kent Morales and RJ Baje overpowered Steven Sonsona and Symon Jaculan in second doubles, 7-5, 7(7)-6(4), sealing the tie on a strong note.

UST remained at the top with a 10-1 record, while UE dropped to fourth at 7-4.

Meanwhile, following UST’s victory, NU secured the second twice-to-beat advantage by avenging its first-round loss to UP with a 4-1 win.

Jules Lazaro weathered a tough challenge from Aslan Carbonilla in the third singles, ultimately prevailing 1-6, 6-4, 7-5 to clinch the tie for the Bulldogs.

NU asserted dominance early as Andrei Padao cruised to a 6-1, 6-1 victory over Ava Mandac in first singles. EJ Tugade further extended the lead with a hard-fought 4-6, 7-5, 7(7)-6(2) triumph over Miguel Iglupas in second singles.

UP's Lance Fernandez and Raymund Goco fought back in first doubles, overcoming a first-set loss to grind out a 5-7, 6-4, 11-9 tiebreaker victory against Aljon Talatayod and Gab Bandoquillo.

However, NU’s Angil Balaoing and Christian Padilla closed out the tie in second doubles, delivering a 7(7)-6(1), 6-3 win over Loucas Fernandez and Andrei Jarata.

With the win, the Bulldogs solidified their hold on the second seed at 9-2, while the Fighting Maroons, now 7-4, remained tied for third with the Red Warriors.

In the women’s division, defending champion NU capped the elimination round with a commanding 4-1 victory over UP, setting the stage for the finals.

Adi Abadia and Rovie Baulete’s steady play in first doubles secured a 6-4, 6-2 win over Jesha Cervantes and JM Prado, sealing NU’s overall triumph.

UP’s Jufe Cocoy struck first in first singles, dominating Jasmine Jaran 6-1, 6-3.

However, the Lady Bulldogs responded swiftly, with Danna Abad taking a crucial 6-4, 6-2 win over Glydel Guevarra in third singles. JM Carcueva followed up with a commanding 6-4, 6-2 victory against Joshea Malazarte in second singles, extending NU’s advantage.

Elsie Abarquez and Kolin Cornell then secured the tie for NU with a 7-5, 6-2 win over Sydney Enriquez and Anica Cari in second doubles.

The Lady Bulldogs concluded the eliminations at 7-1, tying UST in the standings, while UP wrapped up in third place at 4-4.

Earlier in the men’s division, De La Salle University ended its season on a high note, securing its first win with a hard-fought 3-2 conquest of Ateneo de Manila University.

Yassan Al-Anazi delivered a gritty 6-4, 4-6, 6-4 victory over Stef Gurria in second singles to clinch the tie.

JT Bernardo made an immediate impact in third singles, overpowering Ateneo’s JB Cuarto, 6-1, 6-0. However, Blue Eagle JD Velez responded in first singles, rallying past EJ Geluz with a 3-6, 6-0, 6-3 victory to level the match.

JJ Llavore and Gian Camingue dominated first doubles, dispatching La Salle’s Fernando Po and Marcus Guinoo, 6-1, 6-2.

But La Salle had the final say, as Leyton Portin and Rupert Tortal delivered an emphatic 6-1, 6-1 win in second doubles, sealing the Green Tennisters’ first and only win of the season.

DLSU finished seventh with a 1-11 record, while Ateneo placed fifth at 3-8.

Story finished: UST ends FEU-Diliman's football reign

c/o UAAP Media Team

AFTER a heartbreaking loss in last season’s final, University of Santo Tomas finished the story, ending the 12-year reign of defending champion Far Eastern University-Diliman to emerge as the last team standing in the UAAP Season 87 Boys’ High School Football Tournament.

Joshua Moleje and James Sunog connived to lift UST to the summit, as the Junior Golden Booters accomplished what no other team had managed for over a decade—dethroning the Baby Tamaraws with a 2-1 triumph, Saturday at the UP Diliman Football Stadium.

“Since day one, we’ve been working on this, and I know these boys deserve it,” said Moleje, the Grade 10 midfielder from Negros Occidental.

“We owe it to our seniors. Last year, we couldn’t give them the championship. Last year we didn’t win. Now, we’re dedicating this win to our seniors. We just played with our hearts, gave it everything, and God gave us the gold," he added, who is set to join Valencia-based club Levante Unión Deportiva, S.A.D after the conclusion of the season.

(“Since day one, we’ve been working for this, and I know these boys deserve it. We owe this to our seniors. Last year, we couldn’t give them the championship. We didn’t win. But now, we’re dedicating this victory to them. We just played with our hearts, gave everything we had, and God rewarded us with the gold.”)

Moleje, the Best Midfielder awardee, broke the deadlock in the 40th minute with a composed finish from close range.

Sunog then tapped the ball home in the 68th minute to seal the Junior Golden Booters’ first-ever championship in the boys’ high school division, delivering UST its first UAAP football crown since the Lady Booters’ triumph in Season 74.

“Masaya po pero mas masaya po na nakuha namin yung gold at champion po” said Sunog. “Hindi ako makapaniwala kasi yung momentum ng FEU-D po, malakas po at hindi basta-basta na kalaban yung FEU-D.”

(“I’m happy but happier that our team won the gold and the championship. It’s hard for me to believe since FEU-D had so much momentum, and they’re not just any opponent.)

The UST duo’s goals offset FEU-D’s equalizer in the 44th minute.

Sambher Nash Abrenica, starting in place of first-choice striker Jerriemy Biton, unleashed a strike from outside the box that slipped past UST goalkeeper Edcel James Lauron.

Biton, who was subbed in at halftime, had a subdued performance in the second half but nearly salvaged the match for FEU-D in stoppage time.

However, Biton’s header went straight into the hands of Lauron, who held firm when it mattered most.

The Baby Tamaraws had one final opportunity to force extra time in the dying moments of stoppage time, but their last attempt hit the side netting.

Seconds later, the final whistle sounded, officially crowning UST as the new kings of UAAP high school football.

UST’s path to the title was anything but easy.

Finishing second in the eliminations with 22 points, the Junior Golden Booters suffered two defeats against FEU-D and had to battle past De La Salle Zobel in the Final Four to reach the championship match.

“So proud of the boys,” said assistant coach David Basa, who led UST from the sidelines throughout the season. “Lahat talaga binigay nila. Last minute, ang daming atake ng FEU-D pero hindi sila bumigay. Gusto talaga nila makuha yung final. Alam nila sa sarili nila na kaya nila manalo sa UAAP eh.”

(“So proud of the boys. They gave it their all. In the final minutes, FEU-D launched multiple attacks, but we held our ground. They really wanted to win the final. They knew deep inside that they could become UAAP champions.”)

This marks the first time since Season 72 that the high school football title does not belong to FEU-D.

The Baby Tamaraws topped the elimination round with 28 points from nine wins and one draw before narrowly edging guest school PAREF Southridge 1-0 in the semifinals. However, their dynasty came to an abrupt end in the final.

Despite the heartbreak, Biton still had plenty to celebrate, claiming multiple accolades in his impressive Season 87 debut. The 16-year-old striker from Negros was named Rookie of the Year, Best Striker, and Golden Boot winner after scoring 10 goals throughout the campaign.

De La Salle Zobel’s Bacchus Ekberg secured the Best Defender award for the second consecutive year, while Southridge’s Paolo Tansingco was honored as Best Goalkeeper for his standout performances during the Admirals’ Cinderella run.

UST’s Stephen Flores earned the Most Valuable Player award for anchoring the Junior Golden Booters’ rock-solid defense.

Aside from the silver medal, FEU-D also took home the Fair Play Award for accumulating the fewest yellow and red cards this season.

Meanwhile, De La Salle-Zobel secured the bronze medal for the second straight year.