Snapping a three-game skid, the UP Men’s Volleyball Team (MVT) shook off a sluggish start and outlasted the Adamson Soaring Falcons in a gutsy five-setter, 21-25, 19-25, 25-11, 25-12, 15-12, to cap off their UAAP Season 87 run on Sunday, April 27, at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum.
Despite giving up the first two sets in close fashion, State U regained their rhythm to dominate the next three frames, eventually pulling off a commanding reverse sweep and capping their season with a statement win.
Rookie and foreign-student athlete Olayemi Raheem spearheaded the pack with a stellar 21-point outing built on 15 attacks, five blocks and an ace to go along with seven excellent digs.
Close behind was fellow rookie Tommy Castrodes, who contributed 16 points on 15 attacks and a block with 13 excellent receptions.
Team veteran Gelay Lagando and outgoing senior Dan Nicolas also stepped up, chipping in 8 points apiece to help fuel the Diliman-based squad in the latter stages of the match.
Rookie revelations
Throughout the season, the rookie trio of Raheem, Castrodes, and setter Louise Aballe showed that fresh talent and fearless hearts can reignite a long-standing rebuilding program.
In 12 out of their 14 games, Nigerian spiker Raheem recorded double-digit scores, showcasing his offensive dominance all season long, which translated to being the third-best scorer in the men’s division with 249 points.
On the other hand, Castrodes and Aballe consistently delivered in the attacking and playmaking departments, respectively, to power UP’s offense even in the toughest moments.
“For me, it’s quite a great experience playing in a very different environment and type of culture. It shows me that talent is not enough, you have to put in the hard work,” shared Raheem in the post-game press conference as he reflects on his first year as a Fighting Maroon.
Season’s over. Fight’s not.
“Sticking to the system” was the battle cry for UP MVT head coach Carlo Cabatingan all season long, and he couldn’t be prouder to see his team end their campaign on a high note.
“I’m very glad on how we finished. Throughout the journey, I am very happy on who they’ve become as a person. The process—there were ups and downs, but I’m really proud of who they’ve become, and we’re really happy that we got this game,” said Cabatingan during the post-game press conference.
“Alam mo ‘yung baon namin?” he added. “Our consciousness, our system, the more we stick to it, the more that we can get the wins. ‘Yun lang ‘yung ginawa namin.”
Despite missing out on the playoff race, the Fighting Maroons took pride in their progress, doubling their total wins from Season 86, with collective sweeps against University of the East and Adamson.
Against all odds, UP pushed Final Four contenders De La Salle University and Far Eastern University to thrilling five-set duels, nearly toppling the league’s giants and proving that they are a team to watch out for in the seasons ahead.
Their sixth-place finish this season marked their best showing in nearly a decade, dating back to their fourth-place run in Season 78.
Meanwhile, graduating player Nicolas hopes to leave his teammates with lessons that go beyond the scoreboard.
“Siguro ang advice ko ay huwag ma-satisfy kung anong mayroon sila ngayon, kasi laging isho-show ng UAAP kung hanggang saan ka lang. Patuloy lang na maging teachable, kasi ‘di mo alam lahat,” said Nicolas in the post-game press conference.
When asked about what’s next for the maroon shirts, Cabatingan emphasized that their performance in Season 87 will serve as the foundation for next year’s campaign.
“Ever since nalaman naman namin na the season’s done for us, ang ginawa naming mindset is ito ‘yung magiging base namin going to the next season. So marami kaming tinry, marami kaming sinubukan. They are all trials kasi there’s nothing to lose eh, more to gain kung gagawin namin,” said Cabatingan.
As a new generation of Maroons prepares to take over, the message is clear: the future may still be under construction, but with grit, belief, and a system to lean on, UP is determined to carve a fiercer comeback when Season 88 comes calling.
