Romwel Anzures

University of the Philippines against National University in UAAP Season 88 women’s voleyball. UAAP Media.

Article (news)

ABS-CBN News

<div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1772279436988UAAP 88 WVB NU vs. UP- UP-5285.jpeg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/>University of the Philippines against National University in UAAP Season 88 women’s voleyball. UAAP Media.</div>MANILA (UPDATED) —University of the Philippines completed a stunning reverse sweep to topple defending champion National University in a five-set thriller in UAAP Season 88 women’s volleyball.The Fighting Maroons pulled off a 16-25, 16-25, 25-22, 31-29, 18-16 victory on Saturday at the University of Santo Tomas Quadricentennial Pavilion to secure their third win in four games.Leading State U was prized newcomer Casiey Dongallo, who finished with 20 points built on 18 kills and two blocks, along with four digs and four receptions. Fighting Maroons coach Fabio Menta said her all-around effort reflected the strong mentality he has been trying to instill in the team.“People judge us every day, but we know what we’re doing,” said Menta, whose squad also completed a reverse sweep against Ateneo de Manila University before bowing to De La Salle University in straight sets.“We can’t waste time on a good day or a bad day, or get too excited because people are laughing at us like in the last game. The intelligence of this game is exactly there. They focus and try to focus full time,” he added.Also stepping up for UP was Jelai Gajero, who had 19 points, 11 receptions, and three digs, while Nina Ytang delivered 19 markers on 10 kills, a game-high seven blocks, and one service ace.In crunch time, however, it was an unlikely hero who took charge.The trio sparked UP’s comeback from a 9-13 deficit in the fifth set with a 5-1 surge, capped by a Ytang hit that tied the match at 14.Although Vange Alinsug briefly restored NU’s lead at 16-15, Dongallo answered with an attack to keep UP alive before Bienne Bansil delivered the finishing touches with a block and a kill to seal the upset.Bansil finished with 10 points, two digs, and one reception.On the other hand, the Lady Bulldogs had plenty of opportunities in the fourth and fifth sets to close out the match, but they failed to contain State U’s surge and absorbed their first loss after three straight wins.Alinsug led NU with 20 points, nine digs, and six receptions. Arah Panique added 17 with five digs, Alexa Mata had 14 points, and Cham Maaya contributed 11.Those efforts proved insufficient to preserve NU’s record, as the Lady Bulldogs also lost star rookie Sam Cantada in the third set due to an apparent leg injury. She finished with 10 points, seven receptions, and two digs before exiting the match.

University of the Philippines completed a stunning reverse sweep to topple defending champion National University in a five-set thriller in #UAAPSeason88 women’s volleyball.

University of the Philippines completed a stunning reverse sweep to topple defending champion National University in a five-set thriller in #UAAPSeason88 women’s volleyball.

UAAP: UP completes reverse sweep to stun National U in five-set thriller

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UAAP: UP completes reverse sweep to stun National U in five-set thriller

Rom Anzures,

ABS-CBN News

Published February 28, 2026 07:52 PM PHT

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Updated March 01, 2026 03:01 PM PHT

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Volleyball

UAAP

ABSSports

UAAP Season 88

UAAP Volleyball

NU Lady Bulldogs

UP Fighting Maroons

Vange Alinsug

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