Within reach, but not quite.
That is the story of the University of the Philippines (UP) Women’s Volleyball Team as victory slipped through the cracks of errors against Far Eastern University (FEU), 21-25, 25-22, 19-25, 22-25, on Sunday, April 12, at the University of Santo Tomas (UST) Quadricentennial Pavilion.
Middle blockers led the Maroons as veteran Niña Ytang dropped a season-high 19 points, built off 15 attacks, four blocks and a lone service ace, while sophomore Bienne Bansil tied her season best with 14 markers off four attacks, seven rejections and an ace to push the Lady Tamaraws to four sets.
State U’s drive to battle their opponents until the end fueled their high-octane scoring and net defense, despite the narrow loss.
“[Kapag] lumalaban sila, dapat mas lalong nilalabanan namin. Kasi lagi ko nga sinasabing hindi pa tapos ‘yong laban. It’s now or never,” said Ytang in an interview with Tinig ng Plaridel. “Nagkulang [at] natalo kami [pero ang] importante naman [ay] pinusuan namin at nilaban namin sa loob ng court.”
The Fighting Maroons’ fearless mentality manifested throughout the game, as they dug out of a four-point deficit twice to narrow the gap.
One of which was a 6-0 offensive run in the second set that flipped a 5-9 disadvantage into an 11-9 lead courtesy of Ytang’s four attack points.
UP’s wingers also provided steady offense as Kianne Olango notched 15 points while Jelai Gajero scored 14. Irah Jaboneta, who played as an outside spiker, added four markers and a defensive double-double of 16 digs and 12 receptions.
Meanwhile, Clarisse Loresco led the Morayta squad with 17 points, while Alyzza Devosora pitched in 12.
Sunday misfires
While State U’s attacks and defense were steady throughout the match, their late miscues proved to be the difference as they committed 31 errors as opposed to FEU’s 20.
UP opened the first set dazed after falling to an early 4-8 hole, but its defense and consistent attacks contained the Lady Tamaraws’ offense, forcing five attack errors to close the gap at 16-16.
However, the Diliman-based squad’s two errors disrupted its momentum and dropped the set, 21-25.
It was a battle of scoring runs in the second frame as both squads went back and forth, securing a deadlock at the 20th point mark.
Trailing 20-21, State U made a tactical double substitution, bringing in setter Kizzie Madriaga and foreign-student athlete Fina Ali to fortify its net defense, which proved to be effective as it went on a 5-1 run to take the set.
The third salvo seemed to be another push-and-pull affair where both teams refused to lose, but the Maroon volleybelles fumbled against the Morayta-based charge midway through the set, falling 19-25.
State U regained its bearings in the fourth as it managed to answer every FEU score behind Ytang’s six-point barrage to try and force a fifth set and secure a narrow 17-16 lead.
However, consecutive attack errors gave the Lady Tamaraws the lead and momentum, ending the game 22-25.
UP against all odds
State U finds itself at a crucial juncture, needing to sweep its last two assignments while hoping for favorable outcomes from matches between Adamson, UST and FEU to at least compete for a playoff spot.
Despite their slimming chances, Ytang said that the team will continue to give their all and showcase their “UP Fight” mentality on the court.
“Kapag nasa loob na kami ng court, hindi kami basta-basta sumusuko. Hangga’t hindi pa natatapos ‘yong laban, tuloy lang. Laban UP pa rin,” said the three-time second best middle blocker.
Pushing to stay in the Final Four race, the veteran said that improved coordination and grit will be key for their crucial matches.
“Siguro ‘yong connection namin sa loob [at] ‘yong tapang. Kasi, sino ba naman kami, ‘di ba?” said Ytang. “Hindi kami magiging UP kung walang tapang.”
UP WVT now looks to improve its chances for a return in the Final Four as it faces the Adamson Lady Falcons on Wednesday, April 15, at the same battleground.
