Daven Tamayo

UAAP Players of the Week Jardio, Aceron anchor NU, UE to strong finishes in elims

Article (news)

ABS-CBN News

<div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/17770284849821777028516054.jpeg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/>Shaira Jardio of National University (NU) and Raquim Aceron of University of the East (UE). Photos from UAAP Media</div>MANILA — Shaira Jardio of National University (NU) and Raquim Aceron of University of the East (UE) were named Collegiate Press Corps (CPC) Players of the Week after leading their respective teams to strong finishes in the UAAP Season 88 elimination round.Jardio, the steady anchor of the Lady Bulldogs’ floor defense, turned chaos into control in back-to-back five-set battles that secured NU a crucial edge heading into the stepladder phase.Against unbeaten De La Salle University, the fourth-year libero delivered 35 digs and 16 excellent receptions, even as the Lady Spikers escaped with a dramatic 27–25, 15–25, 23–25, 25–23, 15–13 win to advance directly to the finals.<div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/sports/volleyball/2026/4/22/uaap-national-u-secures-second-seed-pushes-ust-to-playoff-vs-feu-2005">READ: UAAP: National U secures second seed, pushes UST to playoff vs. FEU </a></div>She followed it up with another standout performance in NU’s second straight five-setter, this time against University of Santo Tomas (UST), tallying 33 excellent receptions and 16 digs to seal the No. 2 seed and a stepladder semifinals berth.NU closed the eliminations at 10–4, with Jardio’s composure proving pivotal in their late surge.“Siguro gusto ko ipakita na kaya namin itong makuha. And ayun, kailangan talaga na mas matibay ’yung floor defense and attacking namin,” said Jardio. “Kaya sabi ko sa sarili ko na all-out na lagi every game. Hindi na pwedeng mag-doubt sa sarili. Kailangan confident lagi every game.”Her efforts edged out fellow nominees, including teammate Arah Panique, Adamson University standouts Shaina Nitura and Fhei Sagaysay, La Salle’s Angel Canino and Shane Reterta, and UST’s Angge Poyos.On the men’s side, Aceron powered UE to rare consecutive victories to close out the season.<div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/sports/volleyball/2026/4/18/uaap-ue-ends-campaign-with-upset-of-final-four-bound-ateneo-1325">READ: UAAP: UE ends campaign with upset of Final Four-bound Ateneo </a></div>He first led the Red Warriors past La Salle in straight sets, 25–21, 28–26, 26–24, finishing with 19 points, 22 excellent receptions, and three digs in a win that eliminated the Green Spikers from Final Four contention.The outside hitter followed it up with an even stronger showing against Ateneo de Manila University, scoring 23 points along with 18 receptions and six digs in a four-set victory, 25–16, 22–25, 25–18, 25–22.After winning just one game across the previous two seasons, UE ended its Season 88 campaign at 4–10, signaling signs of progress for the program.“Magandang baon po ito para sa next season kasi kumbaga may iwo-work on na kami; hindi na kami back to zero,” said Aceron. “Pagyayabungin na lang po kung ano ’yung nasimulan namin.”

Shaira Jardio of National University (NU) and Raquim Aceron of University of the East (UE) were named Collegiate Press Corps (CPC) Players of the Week after leading their respective teams to strong finishes in the UAAP Season 88 elimination round.

Shaira Jardio of National University (NU) and Raquim Aceron of University of the East (UE) were named Collegiate Press Corps (CPC) Players of the Week after leading their respective teams to strong finishes in the UAAP Season 88 elimination round.