At A Glance
- University of the Philippines made its title campaign felt with a 25-12, 25-9, 21-25, 25-19 victory over University of the East at the start the the UAAP Season 88 women's volleyball tournament at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City on Saturday, Feb. 14.
Irah Jaboneta delivers for UP. (UAAP Media)
University of the Philippines made its title campaign felt with a 25-12, 25-9, 21-25, 25-19 victory over University of the East at the start the the UAAP Season 88 women’s volleyball tournament at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City on Saturday, Feb. 14.
The victory was a fitting welcome gift for new head coach Fabio Menta as he utilized all his arsenals in the fourth set after a third-set stumble to deny the Warriors’ persistent attempts.
“The atmosphere has been amazing… I was very pleased and there’s pressure because a lot people watched [us live]," said Menta.
"We’re very good as a fast team, when the intensity is different we slowed down too, and we fell asleep. It’s not up to them, but to us to become a very good team," he added.
Niña Ytang and Irah Jaboneta bannered 14 points apiece for the Maroons while Casiey Dongallo, who was out during midway of the third set, delivered 13 points off 10 attacks, two aces and one block in the first three sets against her former squad.
“Masaya kasi maganda ‘yong results, tyaka it shows ano pa ‘yong character na dapat pa naming i-improve, nung third set, nag-stop kami do'n," said Jaboneta.
Kianne Olango also shone for UP particularly in the fourth set with 13 points.
Dongallo’s fellow transferees from UE in Jelaica Galero, who scored five points, and Kizzie Madriaga also made their respective maiden stints with UP.
Nessa Bangayan produced a solid performance of 19 points off 16 attacks, two blocks and one ace, while Bea Zamudio and Khy Cepada had 14 and 10 points, respectively, but their efforts went futile as UE absorbed its 15th straight loss since its opening game a year ago in Season 87 where it failed to secure a single win.