University of the Philippines’ Irah Jaboneta tries to score against Ateneo de Manila’s KC Cortez (5) and Jihan Chuatico in the UAAP Season 88 women’s volleyball tournament at Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City on Sunday (Feb. 22, 2026). The Fighting Maroons won, 17-25, 19-25, 25-22, 25-23, 16-14, to finally beat the Blue Eagles after nearly eight years. (UAAP photo)
The University of the Philippines authored one of its most stirring comebacks in recent memory, clawing back from two sets down to outlast Ateneo de Manila University, 17-25, 19-25, 25-22, 25-23, 16-14, in the UAAP Season 88 women’s volleyball tournament at Mall of Asia Arena on Sunday.
The five-set escape was more than just a second straight win for the Fighting Maroons. It snapped an 11-game losing streak to the Blue Eagles and marked UP’s first victory over its Katipunan rival since the second round of Season 80 in 2018 — a breakthrough that had been years in the making.
After struggling to find rhythm in the first two sets, UP recalibrated. The Maroons steadied their floor defense, tightened their blocking schemes, and leaned on their veterans in crunch time. Three-time Best Middle Blocker Niña Ytang once again proved why she remains the cornerstone of the Diliman squad, finishing with 15 points.
Her final act — a decisive block that denied Zey Pacia in the extended fifth set — sealed the emotional win after a grueling two hours and 32 minutes.
Irah Jaboneta delivered an all-around performance with 14 points, eight digs, and seven receptions, providing stability in serve receive and transition. Nigerian winger Fina Ali added 13 points, giving UP the offensive balance it needed to stretch Ateneo’s defense in the latter half of the match.
For UP head coach Fabio Menta, the turning point was psychological as much as tactical.
“Finally, we found a way to play our own game because we were worrying too much about what was happening on the other side,” Menta said. “When we found that rhythm — the kind of game we like more — we became more effective.”
Ateneo, meanwhile, showed grit despite absorbing its second straight loss. JLo Delos Santos, playing in her return season after a torn ACL, erupted for 21 points and 11 digs in a gutsy performance that kept the Blue Eagles afloat. Rookie Ana Hermosura tallied 19 points and nine digs, while middle blocker Donna De Leon contributed 15 markers in a balanced attack that nearly shut the door in the fourth set.
But in the endgame, UP’s composure prevailed. The Maroons survived match-point swings and capitalized on crucial defensive stops, turning what once looked like another chapter of frustration into a defining statement win early in the season.
In the men’s division, University of Santo Tomas notched its first victory with a 25-23, 25-22, 15-25, 25-19 triumph over De La Salle University. Josh Ybañez ignited the Tigers with 22 points, including 10 in the pivotal fourth set to fend off a La Salle rally.
Ateneo bounced back on the men’s side by defeating UP, 21-25, 25-23, 25-22, 25-18. With the result, Ateneo and UP stand tied at 1-1, while La Salle remains winless after two matches.
But the day belonged to the women in maroon. After eight long years of heartbreak against Ateneo, UP finally found its breakthrough — not just in the standings, but in belief.