By Jean Malanum
MANILA – University of the Philippines rallied past Ateneo de Manila University, 17-25, 19-25, 25-22, 25-23, 16-14, for its second straight win in the UAAP Season 88 women’s volleyball tournament at Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City on Sunday.
It was UP’s first win over Ateneo since the second round of Season 80 in 2018, ending an 11-game skid.
Three-time Best Middle Blocker Niña Ytang delivered 15 points, foiling Zey Pacia in the last play to clinch the win for the Fighting Maroons after two hours and 32 minutes.
Irah Jaboneta chipped in 14 points, eight digs and seven receptions, while Nigerian Fina Ali had 13 points.
“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,” UP coach Fabio Menta said.
JLo Delos Santos, coming off a torn ACL, finished with 21 points and 11 digs for the Blue Eagles, who took their second straight loss.
Rookie Ana Hermosura had 19 points and nine digs, while middle blocker Donna De Leon added 15 points.
In the men’s division, University of Santo Tomas defeated De La Salle University, 25-23, 25-22, 15-25, 25-19, while Ateneo downed UP, 21-25, 25-23, 25-22, 25-18.
Josh Ybañez scored 10 of his 22 points in the fourth set to lead UST to its first win after losing to defending champion NU last week.
Ateneo and UP are tied at 1-1 while La Salle has yet to win after two matches. (PNA)
