IN A DRAMATIC turn of events, the University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons stunned the National University Lady Bulldogs, handing the defending champions their first loss of the UAAP Season 87 women’s volleyball tournament.

The Maroons pulled off a thrilling come-from-behind victory, securing a 26-24, 23-25, 17-25, 25-23, 15-12 win in a high-octane match at the FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan on Wednesday (26 Mar 2025).

NU’s loss ended their eight-game winning streak, leaving them with an 8-1 record, while UP improved to 4-5, keeping their playoff hopes alive.

Nina Ytang was the standout performer for the Fighting Maroons, delivering a career-defining performance with a staggering 30 points, including 27 attacks and three blocks. Joan Monares also played a crucial role, contributing 16 points, all from attacks, to help guide UP to the historic win.

After falling behind 2-1 in sets, the Fighting Maroons fought back in the fourth set, forcing a decider. With the match tied at 12-12 in the fifth, UP capitalized on two costly errors by NU’s Alyssa Solomon. Ytang then powered through with a quick strike, pushing UP to match point at 14-12. Monares sealed the win with a decisive off-the-block attack, sending the UP crowd into jubilation.

“I’m speechless. The ball is really round. We just gave everything we had. We told ourselves in the fifth set, we’re already this far, why quit now? We fought hard, supported each other, and just stayed patient on the court,” Ytang said in a post-match interview.

In addition to Ytang’s brilliance, Irah Jaboneta delivered an all-around performance with 10 points, 19 excellent receptions, and 13 digs to complete a rare triple-double. Kianne Olango and Bienne Bansil also contributed 10 points each to help UP in their historic win. Setter Jaz Manguilimot provided excellent service with 17 excellent sets.

For NU, Bella Belen was a standout with a triple-double performance of 21 points, 13 digs, and 12 receptions. Solomon finished with 19 points, while Vange Alinsug added 16 points, and Erin Pangilinan chipped in with 11.

With the upset victory, UP will now look to build momentum when they face the winless University of the East next. Meanwhile, NU will look to bounce back against Far Eastern University on Sunday, both matches set to take place at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

In contrast to the women’s division, the NU Bulldogs found success in the men’s tournament, beating the UP Fighting Maroons 23-25, 25-14, 25-20, 25-23 earlier on Wednesday.

Jade Disquitado led the way for NU with 22 points, while Leo Aringo Jr. added 19 points and Buds Buddn chipped in 17. Olayemi Raheem fought valiantly for UP with 26 points, but it wasn’t enough as the Bulldogs claimed their seventh win of the season, improving their record to 7-2. The Fighting Maroons, on the other hand, dropped to 2-7.

The Bulldogs will next face FEU, while UP aims to bounce back against UE in their respective upcoming matches.