By ADRIAN STEWART CO

The University of the Philippines (UP) Fighting Maroons pulled off a stunning five-set victory over the De La Salle University (DLSU) Lady Spikers, 26-24, 18-25, 19-25, 25-22, 16-14, in the UAAP Season 87 women’s volleyball tournament at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Sunday, April 13.

Negrense Joan Marie Monares powered UP with 16 points off 15 attacks and a block, while also tallying seven excellent digs and five excellent receptions as they kept their Final Four hopes alive with a 6-6 win-loss slate.

Rookie Kassandra Doering added 15 points, including three blocks.

Kianne Olango and Nina Ytang chipped in 11 points each for the Fighting Maroons.

After losing a five-point cushion in the deciding frame, UP broke a 14-all deadlock behind Doering’s attack before Monares delivered the match-winning point.

“Maganda ‘yung nagawa, but mayroong mga parts na nawawala sa plano pero bumabalik naman. Simple lang naman ‘yung laro eh, susunod lang sa game plan and, I think magko-connect lahat,” UP head coach Benson Bocboc said.

“Roller coaster na naman, muntikan na naman, pero mabuti at lumabas nung crucial moments ‘yung inaasahan natin na nagagawa,” he said.

“So ngayon magpu-push lang kami nang magpu-push sa remaining games namin,” he added.

Shevana Laput led DLSU with 27 points.

Negrense Angel Canino and Ilongga Amie Provido added 25 and 11 markers, respectively.

The Lady Spikers slipped to an 8-4 record.

Meanwhile, Alyssa Solomon marked her return to National University by guiding the Lady Bulldogs to a 25-16, 25-15, 25-21 victory over the Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eagles.

Solomon, who sat out the last two games due to a minor left ankle sprain, finished with 12 points on 11 attacks and a block, as the Lady Bulldogs sealed the No. 1 seed heading into the Final Four round with an 11-2 record.

Mhicaela Belen led the way with a triple-double of 16 points, 13 excellent receptions and 10 excellent digs.

Erin Pangilinan contributed 11 markers for the reigning champions./ASC, WDJ