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Manila Bulletin devider Sports devider Collegiate devider Maroons name Italian mentor as UP head coach for Season 88 volleyball

Maroons name Italian mentor as UP head coach for Season 88 volleyball

Published Jan 22, 2026 03:15 pm

At A Glance

  • University of the Philippines is already making a big move ahead of this year's UAAP women's volleyball tournament by appointing Italian meteor Fabio Menta as its newest head coach for coming Season 88.
Fabio Menta takes charge as UP head coach for UAAP Season 88. (UPWVT)
Fabio Menta takes charge as UP head coach for UAAP Season 88. (UPWVT)
University of the Philippines is already making a big move ahead of this year’s UAAP women’s volleyball tournament by appointing Italian meteor Fabio Menta as its newest head coach for coming Season 88.
Still seeking to secure an elusive Final Four spot, the Fighting Maroons decided to tap Menta, a veteran tactician who led numerous squads overseas, and take over the place of Benson Bocboc.
Bocboc and Co. concluded their Season 87 campaign at sixth place with a 6-8 win-loss tally.
Their run was highlighted by their big wins over eventual back-to-back champion National University and bridesmaid De La Salle.
"We are excited to see how coach Fabio will bring out the best in this young and very promising roster that we have,” said UP Office for Athletics and Sports Development Director Bo Perasol. “Lahat tayo sa UP ay nagtitiwala at naniniwala that the Final Four is very much within our reach.”
After his first stint with the Foton Tornadoes in PSL here in 2016, the 64-year-old Menta returned to the country last year to become consultant for PVL sister teams Farm Fresh and ZUS Coffee.
Menta is set to guide a mix of veteran and rising stars of the Diliman-based squad led by Nina Ytang, Irah Jaboneta, Joan Monares, and Kianne Olango.
"He brings a good system which the team needs. We know what to do inside and outside the court because of that good system," said Jaboneta.
Also part of the squad are Nigerian Ali Sarah Otukugu, Kizzie Madriaga, Jelai Gajero, and Casiey Dongallo, who served her residency year after transferring from University of the East to UP.
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