The University of the Philippines (UP) remained at the bottom of the standings after absorbing a pair of losses against De La Salle University (DLSU) on Thursday, April 4, at the Mall of Asia Arena.
The men’s squad officially exited the Final Four race with a 0-10 standing. Meanwhile, the women’s team has yet to lift their 1-8 record since their Round 1 match against the University of the East.
Chapter closed
A 14-game losing slump since last season continues for the UP Men’s Volleyball Team (UP MVT) after the DLSU Green Spikers once again bested them in straight sets, 20-25, 16-25, 14-25.
The match also marks the tenth consecutive loss of State U against the Taft-based squad, which they last defeated in Season 79 by a sweep.
The Fighting Maroons opened the game strong with early contributions from Angelo Lagando and Louis Gamban who led them to a 13-11 edge.
However, a deadlock ensued at 18 points before DLSU skipper John Ronquillo blocked Lagando to spark the Green Spikers’ 5-0 run to ultimately snatch the first set.
State U replicated their high-powered entrance for the second salvo, but two consecutive unforced errors and a more aggressive showing from the Green Spikers left them trailing behind, 10-15.
DLSU’s starting libero Jules de Jesus continued to lead the Taft-based squad’s floor defense, while Billie Anima and Vince Maglinao towered over the Fighting Maroons on the offensive front to swiftly close the second set.
The final frame showcased the Green Spiker’s fiery offense powered by setter Eco Adajar who earned a total of 20 excellent sets at the end of the match.
Despite the green shirts’ domination at the spiking department at 44 over UP’s 29, the Maroons still managed to put up decent numbers at the defensive end, having an edge in digs (32-30) and receptions (34-25).
Lagando led State U’s efforts with 12 points built from 10 attacks, one block and an ace, with Gamban adding 9 markers.
On the flipside, two Green Spikers scored double digits with Maglinao and Ronquillo scoring 12 points each.
Close call
The UP Women’s Volleyball Team (UP WVT) was shot down by the arrows of the DLSU Lady Spikers in a close four-set game, 24-26, 19-25, 26-24, 25-27.
State U faced La Salle in the absence of key player Angel Canino, who settled in the sidelines cheering for her team while sporting a visible blue cast on her right hand.
Both teams scrambled for points in a thrilling first set extended by Heart Magsombol’s block to tie the game at 24.
However, the Lady Maroons failed to gain momentum with back-to-back scores courtesy of Julia Coronel and Shevana Laput, sealing the set in favor of the green shirts.
The Lady Maroons then suffered a 0-7 run in the second frame, which lifted the Taft-based squad towards set point with a comfortable lead, 16-24.
Opposite Hitter Kyrzten Cabasac and Middle Blocker Niña Ytang deliver towering blocks over the Lady Spikers. Photo by Marga Villena
Powerful attacks from Irah Jaboneta and Kyrzten Cabasac served as the maroon shirts’ last lifeline before DLSU clinched a 2-0 set advantage behind Jyne Soreño’s crosscourt kill.
With a seemingly long shot, the Diliman-based squad was not discouraged by the Lady Spikers looking to wrap up the match with a sweep.
After sustaining an early 3-12 deficit, the Lady Maroons managed to mount a comeback that ended with Jaboneta’s back-to-back attacks and an error-laden Laput that closed the count at 26-24, marking UP WVT’s first set win against DLSU since Season 81.
As the reignited Lady Maroons fought to extend the match with a two-point advantage, 24-22, Alleiah Malaluan delivered back-to-back points to bring the score to 24-all.
Despite giving all their might, the Diliman-based squad succumbed to Maicah Larroza’s attack and Julia Coronel’s block that capped off the tense match.
The Lady Maroons proved to be worthy contenders to the defending champions as four players scored in double digits. Jaboneta led the squad with 18 points composed of 17 attacks and one block.
Meanwhile, player of the game Laput exerted dominance with 21 markers to lead the Spikers.
UP will face the University of Santo Tomas on April 10 at the same venue, with MVT hunting for their first season win at 10 a.m. and WVT seeking to escape elimination at 2 p.m.
