University of the Philippines withstood Jude Aguilar’s 27-point explosion to snap a five-game skid with a gritty 20-25, 25-18, 26-24, 25-20 victory over the equally struggling Adamson University, closing the UAAP Season 87 Men’s Volleyball Tournament first round on a positive note on Sunday, March 16, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The Fighting Maroons leaned on the duo of Nigerian spiker Raheem Olayemi and rookie Tommy Castrodes to secure the much-needed win, improving to 2-5 for sixth place.

Olayemi delivered 22 points built on 18-of-38 attacks and four blocks, while Castrodes, an Adamson High School product, tormented his former squad with 17 points, 23 receptions, and 14 digs.

“In terms of improvement, I think the five losses and even the first game, they were our six steps to learning so we took each game as a learning experience for us. Adjustments were taken every game until we found the right timing, right tempo for the team to play this well,” said UP head coach Carlo Cabatingan.

It was the 19-year-old Olayemi who delivered in the clutch, scoring four of the Fighting Maroons' final five points to seal the win after one hour and 57 minutes.

Castrodes and Olayemi also played pivotal roles in the third set when Adamson reached set point, 24-23.

Castrodes nailed back-to-back hits before Olayemi rejected Ahmed Tahiluddin to give UP a 2-1 set advantage.

Louise Aballe steered UP’s offense with 26 excellent sets, while Angelo Lagando and Angelo Lipata contributed 10 and nine points, respectively.

Libero Nino Bersano also starred with 22 excellent receptions and 10 digs.

Meanwhile, the Soaring Falcons suffered their fourth consecutive defeat, dropping to 1-6 for seventh place.

Aguilar's 27 points came from 26 attacks, complemented by eight digs. Dan Gutierrez, Leo Coguimbal, and Marc Paulino each added 11 points in the losing effort.