Maroons in gutsy winMANILA, Philippines — Souped-up University of the Philippines rose from the ashes to stay immaculate, ending an eight-year drought against Ateneo with a 17-25, 19-25, 25-22, 25-23, 16-14 reverse sweep in the UAAP Season 88 women’s volleyball tournament yesterday at the Mall of Asia Arena. The Fighting Maroons, who last won against the Blue Eagles back in 2018, finally scored one over their Katipunan rivals thanks to a great resolve to fight from 0-2 down and in the extended decider. It’s the first back-to-back wins for the Diliman-based spikers since 2022, ending an 11-game losing skid against Ateneo. “Finally, we found a way to play our own game,” said Menta, a former mentor of the defunct pro volleyball team Foton. Two consecutive errors by the Blue Eagles then paved the way for a fifth set, where the Fighting Maroons proved to be the steadier team.

Source: Philippine Star February 22, 2026 16:34 UTC