Fighting Maroons pummel Lady Warriors to kick off UAAP Season 88 volleyball bid

UP’s Casiey Dongallo

(UAAP Media Bureau)

MANILA, Philippines — University of the Philippines ushered in a new era, blasting the University of the East Lady Warriors in four sets, 25-12, 25-9, 21-25, 25-19, to kick off their UAAP Season 88 women’s volleyball tournament on a high note Saturday at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.

Irah Jaboneta and Nina Ytang powered the Fighting Maroons with 14 points each. New recruit Casiey Dongallo, who previously played for the Lady Warriors and Kianne Olango had 13 markers apiece.

UP looked primed for an easy win after dominating the first two sets.

But UE kept itself alive, fighting in the third set.

An off-the-block attack by Vans Bangayan pushed them to the set point, 24-20, before Jenalyn Umayam saved a point, 21-24.

But an attack error by Olango gave the Lady Warriors the third set, 25-21.

UP, though, regained its touch and blasted off in the fourth set.

A kill by Olango iced the match.

Jan Baclay and Jelai Gajero had seven and five points, respectively.

Nessa Bangayan finished with 19 markers for UE while Bea Zamudio chipped in 14 points.

Over in the men’s division, Far Eastern University swept La Salle, 25-19, 25-22, 25-19, to kick off the UAAP Season 88 Men’s Volleyball tournament.

Dryx Saavedra paced FEU with 16 points on 15 attacks and one block, while Espartero added 14 points on 12 attacks, one block, and one ace, along with seven excellent receptions.

Congolese middle blocker Doula Ndongala had seven points on five attacks and two blocks, while new team captain Ariel Cacao also scored seven points, alongside 17 excellent sets.

In his first UAAP game, Ousseini led the Green Spikers in the loss with nine points on seven attacks, one block, and one ace, while Eugene Gloria and MJ Fortuna added seven points each.

Earlier in the day, Nigerian spiker Olayemi Raheem fired 30 points as the University of the Philippines grinded out a 25-21, 23-25, 25-23, 23-25, 15-11 victory over the Red Warriors.