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.