NUNS takes down UST in Girls Volleyball opener

c/o UAAP

The road to a repeat began with a statement, as defending champion National University-Nazareth School overcame University of Santo Tomas, 22-25, 32-30, 25-21, 25-21, to kick off the UAAP Season 88 High School Girls’ Volleyball Tournament on Sunday at the Blue Eagle Gym in Loyola Heights, Quezon City.

The Lady Bullpups bounced back from a first-set loss with a gritty performance in the second, which turned into a point-for-point showdown between UST’s Patricia Mendoza and NUNS’ Diza Berayo.

The Junior Golden Tigresses held four set points, but the Lady Bullpups swung momentum in their favor as Ysabella Cruz came up with a crucial block to reach match point, before Akeyla Bartolabac delivered the winning attack.

NUNS pressed the advantage in the fourth set, racing to a 9-3 lead.

The Junior Golden Tigresses stormed back with a seven-point surge to take a 10-9 lead, but Berayo remained steady down the stretch, scoring the Lady Bullpups’ final two points, including the match-clinching kill.

“Nakakatuwa kasi everybody nags-step-up, tsaka ‘yung composure naman nila kahit na-da-down kami [o] nagkakamali sila, nandun,” said NUNS head coach Karl Dimaculangan. “Nire-remind lang talaga namin sila na hindi nila maiiwasan ‘yung pressure. And ‘yung kabahan sila diyan, laging nandiyan pero [nasa kanila na] kung paano nila iha-handle,” he added.

Berayo erupted for 24 points on 21 kills and two aces while adding eight digs, with Bartolabac contributing 17 markers and Micaella Gould dishing out 14 excellent sets in the two-hour match.

UST leaned on Nicole Pelaez’s 19 points and Kim Rubin’s 12, while libero Chasliey Pepito anchored the defense with 21 excellent digs.

Meanwhile, Adamson University began its quest to bounce back from last season’s runner-up finish with a straight-sets victory over Far Eastern University-Diliman, 25-20, 25-18, 25-16.

The Lady Baby Falcons turned the third set around after trailing 12-14, capitalizing on six straight points largely due to FEU-D errors to take control.

From there, Adamson kept the Lady Baby Tamaraws in check, conceding only two more points before going on another six-point run, capped by an ace from Francheska Adem to seal the win.

“I'm proud sa mga bata. I'm happy sa first game nila. Kumbaga ‘yung iba, bago pa maglaro. So ‘yun lang, may mga kailangan lang din namin trabahuhin, ‘yung mga lapses namin for today. Pero unti-unti, kumbaga sa second game we need to adjust,” said Adamson head coach JP Yude.

Ellaine Gonzalvo, last season’s Rookie of the Year, powered Adamson with 18 points off 14 kills, three aces, and a block. Francheska Adem added 12 markers, while Elaine Garces contributed 14 excellent sets in the 71-minute duel.

FEU-D drew its best output from Nigerian blocker Ifunanya Udeagbala, who finished with 10 points.

Earlier, University of the Philippines Integrated School spoiled the return of University of the East to girls’ volleyball, cruising to a 25-23, 25-11, 25-16 win in 64 minutes.

UPIS firmly took control in the third set, breaking away with a 9-2 lead behind a five-point scoring run highlighted by two service aces from Anya Callo.

From there, the Junior Fighting Maroons piled on points from the service line and capitalized on UE’s miscues.

A tip from Callo pushed them to match point before Rizza Canonizado closed it out with an ace.

Nina Abad and Elisha Capus led the scoring with 11 points apiece, with Abad delivering all from attacks and Capus contributing seven kills. Callo added 10 markers, five of them aces, while Canonizado orchestrated the offense with 13 excellent sets and five aces of her own.

The Junior Lady Warriors last saw action in Season 81, finishing sixth in the standings, with their last victory also coming against the Junior Fighting Maroons.

Later that day, last season’s fifth-place finishers, De La Salle Zobel, opened their campaign with a statement, downing Ateneo de Manila University, 25-16, 25-14, 25-20.

Aislinn Alemaña sparked the Junior Lady Spikers with seven points, while Sabine Valdez and Kylie Celada matched each other with six points apiece.

UE upsets UST in HS Boys Volleyball opener

c/o UAAP

UAAP Season 88 High School Volleyball Standings

Boys'
FEU-D  1-0 (3 pts)
DLSZ   1-0 (3 pts)
NUNS   1-0 (3 pts)
UE     1-0 (2 pts)
UST    0-1 (1 pt)
AdU    0-1 (0 pts)
UPIS   0-1 (0 pts)
Ateneo 0-1 (0 pts)

Girls'
DLSZ   1-0 (3 pts)
UPIS   1-0 (3 pts)
AdU    1-0 (3 pts)
NUNS   1-0 (3 pts)
UST    0-1 (0 pts)
FEU-D  0-1 (0 pts)
UE     0-1 (0 pts)
Ateneo 0-1 (0 pts)

Games on Sunday at the Blue Eagle Gym

HS Boys'
9 a.m. - Ateneo vs DLSZ
11 a.m. - UE vs NUNS
1 p.m. - AdU vs UST
3 p.m. - FEU-D vs UPIS

HS Girls'
9 a.m. - UPIS vs AdU
11 a.m. - UE vs FEU-D
1 p.m. - NUNS vs DLSZ
3 p.m. - Ateneo vs UST

University of the East overcame being undermanned and a spirited comeback in the fifth and deciding set, ultimately spoiling the reigning champion University of Santo Tomas' season opener, winning 28-26, 19-25, 26-24, 24-26, 15-9, on Sunday at the newly renovated Blue Eagle Gym in Loyola Heights, Quezon City.

With Karl Escobal keeping the Junior Golden Spikers competitive, Paul Roque sealed the match with back-to-back kills, ending the contest in one hour and 33 minutes.

Roque, the 2025 Palarong Pambansa MVP, delivered two consecutive attacks that put the team ahead 10-2, but UST had other plans and kept themselves in the thick of things with Escobal and Rainier Lorayes.

Ultimately, defense pulled UE through, leading to transition finishes from the 18-year-old outside hitter.

"Medyo ngayon nga kulang pa kami kasi 'yung first setter namin and 'yung isang middle blocker wala pa rin. Ang usapan lang namin  is mag-trabaho talaga lahat," said second-year head coach Herbert Dizon.

("We're not yet complete as we're still waiting for our main setter and one of the middle blockers. We just told each other to keep working.")

"Hindi pa 'yon 'yung game namin. Hindi pa nila nailabas 'yung laro nila mismo; kasi 'yung iba diyan, karamihan, first-timer. So, siguro, in the long run, makapag-adjust na rin sila," Dizon continued. "Maganda naman, kahit papaano, 'yung depensa kumapit nung padulo. Hindi katulad nung first set na relaxed; nanalo kami sa depensa talaga."

("We're yet to show our true potential because most of them are first-timers in the UAAP. Hopefully, they'll eventually get to adjust. We played well on defense, especially towards the end of the match. We started too relaxed, but defense really won us this game.")

Roque starred with 28 points on 27 attacks and one block, while team captain and last year's Second Best Middle Blocker, Clarence Gianan, also produced double digits with 15.

On the other hand, Lorayes exploded for a game-high 33 markers, while Escobal chipped in 17 in this hard-fought battle between two proud programs.  

Brylle Crespo and the National University Nazareth School opened their new era with a 22-25, 25-21, 25-18, 27-25 victory over Adamson University to conclude the opening day.

Crespo executed 14 excellent sets that resulted in 43 attack points for the Bullpups, along with one offensive point. Ragusta and Millan led the team with 21 and 15 points, respectively.

Kirk Partosa kept the Baby Falcons in the fight with 17 points on 16 spikes and one kill block.

Also picking up opening day wins were Far Eastern University-Diliman and De La Salle Zobel.

The Baby Tamaraws, led by last year’s Rookie of the Year Kenneth Maliwanag, swept the Ateneo Blue Eagles, 25-14, 25-20, 25-14, while the Junior Green Spikers defeated the University of the Philippines Integrated School, 22-25, 25-11, 25-23, 25-20.

Maliwanag shone with 13 points, comprising nine kills, three blocks, and one service ace, while Edrielle Manlapaz added 12 points and two excellent receptions.

Kyle Aure took advantage of his height at the net, finishing with 11 points, five of which were blocks. Antonio Luis Papa anchored the Junior Green Spikers' defense, achieving 11 digs and nine excellent receptions.

Marco Bamba remained the primary scorer for the Junior Fighting Maroons, contributing 12 points, six digs, and four excellent receptions, while rookie Justin Jusayan added 10 points and seven excellent receptions.

Xavier Castillo was the lone bright spot for the Blue Eagles, contributing 10 points.

Scheduled matches in the High School Boys' division on Wednesday, September 24 at the Adamson Gym, have been postponed to Tuesday, September 30 at the Paco Arena, due to venue unavailability.

Action in both divisions is set to resume on Sunday, September 28, with all eight member universities playing at the same Katipunan venue.

UST stymies La Salle in football opener

c/o UAAP

University of Santo Tomas rode a strong first-half performance to secure a 2-1 victory over De La Salle University in the UAAP Season 88 Collegiate Men’s Football Tournament on Sunday at the Ayala Vermosa Sports Hub here.

Golden Booters midfielder CJ Songalia opened the scoring in the 14th minute with a long-range strike that beat Green Booters goalkeeper Edcel James Lauron. Kyler Escobar then doubled UST’s lead in the 42nd minute with a composed finish.

Songalia nearly claimed a brace for UST, but his second-half penalty—awarded for a handball in the La Salle box—was denied by Lauron, who was part of the Junior Golden Booters squad that won the Season 87 boys’ high school crown.

After starting the season on a winning note, UST will next face Adamson University this Thursday at 4:30 p.m. at Vermosa.

“Commendable first half from the boys. They played really well,” said Golden Booters coach Marjo Allado, who enjoyed double wins in both the women’s and men’s divisions this opening weekend.

“But in the second half, it was scary because we collapsed a bit. After that penalty save by La Salle, they got the momentum to score an equalizer. Overall, though, the players’ fighting spirit was there.”

Meanwhile, La Salle proved to be a tough challenge under new coach Richard Leyble.

Rookie forward James Sibla appeared to score the Green Booters’ equalizer after Songalia’s opener, but the effort was ruled offside.

Sophomore striker Lukie Aguilar was a constant threat, hitting the crossbar early in the second half and later forcing an own goal by Sam Alegre in the 83rd minute—though it came too late to change the outcome.

La Salle will look to rebound against the University of the East this Thursday at 2 p.m., also at Vermosa.

Ayala Vermosa Sports Hub reveals new facilities within its Athletics Center

The Ayala Vermosa Athletics Center's newly-built grandstand

Visitors at the Ayala Vermosa Sports Hub will notice a new feature when they check out of its Athletics Center, as it now features a grandstand and other new facilities enhancing the FIFA-certified football pitch and its encompassing World Athletics-certified track oval.

The aforementioned grandstand, which has a seating capacity of 1,200, includes a players' dugout, as well as media center on its second floor, with both floors providing quite a good view of the action on the field.

In addition, the dugout features modern showers, recovery areas, and secure storage spaces, providing its users with a safe environment enabling them to focus on preparation, performance, and recovery.

The launch came at the appropriate time with the start of the UAAP Season 88 collegiate football tournament. as the women's competition began on Saturday afternoon, with their men's counterparts slated the next day.

Vermosa Senior Project Development Head Nona Torres shares, "We are thrilled to host the Women’s Football teams’ first UAAP game this season at the Ayala Vermosa Sports Hub and have the players and their team supporters enjoy the newly completed dugout facility, the media room, and bleachers. Our mission at the Ayala Vermosa Sports Hub has always been to provide world class sports facilities for all types of athletes, for all levels of play, and be a platform for grassroots sports development."

She adds, "These facilities not only enhance comfort and functionality but also strengthen Ayala Vermosa Sports Hub’s role as a hub for athletes and fans alike."

On his part, long-time UAAP Football Tournament Commissioner Rely San Agustin says, "Having the UAAP community as the first to experience these upgrades is a source of great pride. We believe these improvements will significantly enhance the overall experience for players and supporters, fostering greater engagement and passion for the sport."

Serving as one of the venues for the UAAP reinforces the AVSH's broader mission of promoting an active and dynamic lifestyle, summed up by its #VermosaActiveLife program, which underscores Ayala Vermosa's vision of becoming the premier destination for wellness and high-performance living in the South for both grassroots participants to elite athletes.

The enhancements to the Athletic Center builds on its increasing reputation as a multi-sport hub with its modern facilities. The Santé Fitness Lab is equipped with advanced training and recovery technologies to enhance athlete performance, while the Aquatic Center houses both an Olympic-sized pool and a warm-up pool for competitive swimming, training, and leisure. Complementing the Athletics Center is the presence of a fitness trail ideal for running, walking, and cross-training.

Those planning to have an extended stay and take advantage of such facilities can do so at the Athlete's House, a 30-room venue that can handle things as simple as team training camps, to athletes and even families who just need convenient access to Vermosa's numerous facilities. Its proximity allows for more time devoted to rest and recharge after a strenuous workout.

All of these are tailored to boost Vermosa's reputation as a premier destination for people to move, compete, and thrive together

AVSH is also set to host numerous activities for the remainder of 2025 through its Vermosa Vitality Sports Program. Among these efforts include a Vitality Retreat at the Athlete's House, designed to foster balance and rejuvenation; reopening its car-free weekends that turn the estate into a pedestrian-friendly zone; and a Streat Jam that offers a variety of food truck dining options.

Also set to take place later in the year is the Velocity Relay Race, as well as the Victory Games, a multi-sport showcase of competition, community spirit, and achievement.

UP overcomes suspensions in nipping UE for its opener

c/o UAAP Media Team

Sans its head coach and two key players, the University of the Philippines kicked off its UAAP Season 88 Collegiate Men’s Football Tournament campaign with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over the resilient University of the East on Sunday at the Ayala Vermosa Sports Hub here.

Ramil Bation III, who scored seven goals for the Fighting Maroons last season, opened his account for the campaign with a 39th-minute header off a set-piece, giving UP some breathing room against UE.

“It was a good goal,” said assistant coach Ojay Clarino, who deputized for his older brother Popoy due to the latter’s touchline ban following last year’s altercation with Far Eastern University in the Season 87 semifinals.

“Also, it was a good delivery from Cian Galsim. As long as the ball is delivered well, we have players inside who can capitalize.”

Trailing by a goal, UE struggled to convert its possession into scoring opportunities.

The Red Warriors struck the post moments after Bation’s goal, and the second half saw them launch a series of tentative shots and entries into the Fighting Maroons’ box, but nothing came of it—even with two UP players down on the pitch.

In the seven minutes of added time, UE substitute Edmar Adonis had a free kick that UP goalkeeper Alfonso Gonzalez handled easily.

UE had one last chance to equalize in the dying moments, but a cross from the right flank was not met by any Red Warrior and was cleared for a corner.

Gonzalez then secured the ball in the ensuing play, ensuring that UP held on for the narrow victory.

Aside from head coach Popoy Clarino, Charles Lobitaña and Eric Mink Cachuella were also absent due to their involvement in last year’s incident against the Tamaraws.

UP will next face FEU on Thursday at 7 p.m. at the same Cavite venue, in a rematch of last year’s semifinal clash.

With two perennial championship contenders set to collide, Ojay Clarino emphasized that the Fighting Maroons are not seeking revenge but are focused on securing three points to maintain their winning start.

“Maybe for the players it feels like revenge, but we’re focusing on one game at a time,” he said.

“The goal is to correct our mistakes and improve as a team as the season progresses.”

Meanwhile, UE will look to bounce back against De La Salle University in Thursday’s 2 p.m. kickoff at Vermosa.

Akowe anchors dominant UST performance in opener

c/o UAAP

UAAP Season 88 Men’s Basketball Standings
UST 1-0
NU 1-0
Ateneo 1-0
DLSU 1-0
AdU 0-1
FEU 0-1
UE 0-1
UP 0-1

Games on Wednesday at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion
7:30 a.m. - Ateneo vs UE (16U)
9:30 a.m. - UP vs AdU (16U)
12 p.m. - Ateneo vs UE (Women)
2 p.m. - Ateneo vs UE (Men)
4 p.m. - UP vs AdU (Men)
7 p.m. - UP vs AdU (Women)

Collins Akowe immediately showed he is ready for the collegiate level in his first game of the UAAP Season 88 Men’s Basketball Tournament.

The 6-foot-10 Nigerian center made a debut to remember, leading University of Santo Tomas to a perfect start in their Season 88 hosting by crushing defending champion University of the Philippines, 87-67, on Sunday at their home court, the Quadricentennial Pavilion.

Akowe, a product of National University Nazareth School who was a former High School Boys' MVP, finished with 29 points on 9-of-15 shooting from the field and 11-of-21 from the free-throw line, while also grabbing 17 rebounds — one of the best debuts in UAAP history.

“Dahil maganda ‘yung opening ceremony na idinaos ng UST so gusto rin namin ng magandang performance para sa fans at sa mga naniniwala sa amin. Gusto lang namin magperform nang maayos para sa community,” said UST deputy Japs Cuan, as head coach Pido Jarencio lost his voice and could not attend the postgame interview.

(“Since UST put on a great opening ceremony, we also wanted to give a good performance for the fans and everyone who believes in us. We just wanted to play well for the community,")

The Growling Tigers’ blowout was historic, snapping a nine-game losing streak to the Fighting Maroons, who have claimed two of the last four titles.

UST’s last win over UP before today came on November 13, 2019, a 68-65 victory where Renzo Subido’s three-pointer sent the Tigers to the Season 82 Finals.

This time, UST left no room for a UP comeback. After the third quarter, UST led 70-57, then limited the Fighting Maroons to just three points in the first eight minutes of the final period while scoring 15 themselves, building an insurmountable 85-60 lead.

The Growling Tigers set the tone early, racing out of the gates with a 31-19 first quarter in their home gym.

“It’s a great feeling, just taking advantage of our crowd. I just do what I got to do. I’m representing UST, I have to take it upon myself, they’re taking care of me so this is the way I can pay them back,” said Akowe, who was the UAAP’s first-ever Best Foreign Student-Athlete in Season 87 with NUNS.

Kyle Paranada, starting in place of suspended guard Forthsky Padrigao, also delivered a big performance with 18 points, 14 of which came in the first half, helping UST lead 57-43 at the break.

Nic Cabañero contributed nine points, while Gelo Crisostomo added eight points, seven rebounds, four steals, three assists, and a block.

UST will aim to slay another big fish on Saturday when it faces De La Salle University at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Meanwhile, the Fighting Maroons had a rough start to their title defense. Mark Belmonte led UP with 12 points, while Harold Alarcon added 11, though he needed 16 shots to do so.

UP will look to bounce back against Adamson University on Wednesday, again at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion.

The Scores:

UST 87 – Akowe 29, Paranada 18, Cabañero 9, Crisostomo 8, Buenaflor 7, Calum 4, Llemit 3, Estacio 3, Acido 2, Laure 2, Sevilla 2, Bangco 0, Manding 0, Bucsit 0, Danting 0.

UP 67 – Belmonte 12, Alarcon 11, Bayla 11, Bayla 6, Torres 6, Nnoruka 5, Fortea 4, Felicilda 4, Abadiano 2, Alter 2, Palanca 2, Briones 2, Stevens 0.

Quarterscores: 31-19, 57-43, 70-57, 87-67.

Agyei brace highlights return to college football at Ateneo

c/o UAAP

Dov Cariño orchestrated the play while Kofi Agyei made a triumphant return as Ateneo de Manila University cruised past Adamson University, 3-0, in the opener of the UAAP Season 88 Collegiate Men’s Football Tournament on Sunday at the Ayala Vermosa Sports Hub here.

Agyei, who missed last season due to a combination of injury and academic commitments, marked his comeback with a brace in his first game back for the Blue Eagles.

The Ghanaian forward calmly opened the scoring in the 38th minute with a clinical finish off Cariño’s defense-splitting pass, then headed home his second goal in the 82nd minute to seal the win.

Sandwiched between Agyei’s two strikes, Cariño — a national U23 standout and newly appointed team captain — also found the back of the net with a stunning free kick that beat Falcons goalkeeper Sean Chua in the 64th minute, doubling Ateneo’s lead.

For coach JP Merida, seeing his dynamic duo combine so effectively in the season opener is an encouraging sign for the Blue Eagles’ campaign.

“Going into this game, I was confident that both of them would combine,” said the three-time champion mentor. “My idea was that they would score. In my view, I thought Dov would have scored the first goal, but of course, Kofi did well. We’re happy because Dov and Kofi’s combination upfront is amazing. It’s a good start for us.”

Ateneo will continue its campaign on Sunday when it faces University of the East at 4 p.m. at the same Imus venue.

Meanwhile, Adamson was left to rue missed opportunities that could have altered the game’s outcome. The Soaring Falcons created chaos in the Blue Eagles’ box, culminating in a goal-line clearance by Ateneo midfielder Marcus Arias.

Roberto Roldan and Cameroonian winger Golike Dany Doko also had chances on goal, but neither could find the back of the net.

Adamson will look to bounce back against University of Santo Tomas this Thursday at 4:30 p.m. at Vermosa.