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Tag: UP Fighting Maroons

  • UP’s Final Four dream ends as Tsinghua escapes late in Asian University Basketball League 

    UP’s Final Four dream ends as Tsinghua escapes late in Asian University Basketball League 

    The University of the Philippines proved it could trade blows with one of Asia’s top collegiate basketball programs, but one late surge was all unbeaten Tsinghua University needed to end the Fighting Maroons’ championship aspirations.

     

    UP bowed out of title contention in the 2026 Asian University Basketball League (AUBL) after absorbing a hard-fought 85-81 defeat to China’s Tsinghua University in the quarterfinals on Thursday at the Binjiang Gymnasium.

     

    Rather than being overwhelmed by the tournament favorites, the Fighting Maroons matched Tsinghua possession for possession in a contest that featured multiple momentum swings and several lead changes.

     

    The game remained deadlocked at 74-all in the closing minutes before Tsinghua finally found the separation it had been searching for. He Wenwei and Shi Kui delivered consecutive three-pointers that suddenly gave the Chinese side breathing room and shifted the pressure onto UP.

     

    The Fighting Maroons refused to fold.

     

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    UP continued to attack until the final seconds, with Gani Stevens converting a putback basket to cut the deficit to just two points and keep hopes alive. But Shi calmly buried two pressure-packed free throws to seal Tsinghua’s victory and preserve its unbeaten run.

     

    Shi finished with a game-high 26 points and six assists, leading the Chinese powerhouse into the semifinals.

     

    Rey Remogat spearheaded the Fighting Maroons with 19 points, while Veejay Pre produced an impressive double-double of 18 points and 12 rebounds in the losing effort.

     

    The victory sends Tsinghua to the Final Four, where it will face fellow Chinese squad Shanghai Jiao Tong University. The other semifinal will feature Taiwan’s National Chengchi University against Japan’s Waseda University.

     

    Although its championship bid has ended, UP’s campaign is not yet over. The Fighting Maroons will continue competing in the tournament’s classification round as they seek the highest possible final placing.

     

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  • UP strengthens rebuilding bid with five new recruits for upcoming UAAP campaigns 

    UP strengthens rebuilding bid with five new recruits for upcoming UAAP campaigns 

    As the University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons focus on their UAAP Season 89 campaign, the program has already laid the foundation for the future after securing five new recruits who are expected to play key roles once they become eligible in Season 90 following the mandatory one-year residency period.


    Leading the incoming class are Fil-Am twins Heart and Hannah Lising, who arrive after playing for Los Angeles Mission College. Although they will spend their first year developing within the program, the sisters are expected to become integral pieces of UP’s long-term plans.

     

    Joining them is 5-foot-6 Fil-Am guard Kristan Yumul, whose resume already includes several notable appearances for the Philippine national team despite her young age.

     

    Yumul was instrumental in Gilas Pilipinas Girls Under-16’s successful campaign in the 2022 FIBA U16 Women’s Asian Championship, averaging an impressive 21.6 points per game as the Philippines earned promotion to Division A.

     

    Later that year, she suited up for the Gilas Under-18 squad and contributed 10.6 points per game in another promotion-winning campaign at the FIBA U18 Women’s Asian Championship.

     

    Her steady rise continued in 2024 when she debuted for the Gilas Pilipinas women’s national team. Most recently, she represented the country in the FIBA 3×3 Nations League – Asia Pacific Conference, further strengthening an already impressive basketball résumé before joining UP.

     

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    The Fighting Maroons also welcomed 19-year-old Fil-Aussie forward Lecita Sherriffs, who, like the other newcomers, will spend a season in residency before becoming eligible.

     

    Completing the recruiting class is 18-year-old Nigerian Okesola Victoria Olauluwa, whose arrival comes at an opportune time after the UAAP approved the inclusion of two foreign student-athletes in a team’s lineup. Once eligible, she is expected to join fellow Nigerian Blessing Chuole Francis to give UP additional size and depth in future seasons.

     

    The additions mark another step in the program’s transition under head coach Eric Altamirano, who emphasized the importance of continuously strengthening the roster.

     

    “Siyempre, recruitment naman ang lifeblood of any program, and we’re just happy for the trust these players gave us, even as they wait for a year before being able to play,” said Altamirano.

    While the newcomers patiently wait for their opportunity in Season 90, UP’s attention remains on the immediate challenge of UAAP Season 89.

     

    The Fighting Maroons will lean on veterans Louna Ozar and Camille Nolasco, along with promising recruits Kennan Ka, Ashley Loon, and Blessing Chuole Francis, as they attempt to return to the Final Four after finishing fifth and seventh in the last two UAAP women’s basketball tournaments.

     

    Altamirano also stressed that every member of the growing roster will have an opportunity to contribute as the program continues its rebuild.

     

    “What we can promise naman is all of them will be given the chance to prove themselves, kasi kailangan natin lahat sila,” he said.

     

    UP hopes its latest recruiting class will help restore the Fighting Maroons as contenders in the coming years after the University of Santo Tomas Growling Tigresses captured the UAAP Season 88 women’s basketball championship by dethroning the defending champion National University Lady Bulldogs. 

     

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  • UP shrugs off Korea loss, marches into Asian University Basketball League quarterfinals 

    UP shrugs off Korea loss, marches into Asian University Basketball League quarterfinals 

    University of the Philippines may have absorbed its first defeat in the 2026 Asian University Basketball League Championship, but the Fighting Maroons accomplished the objective that mattered most.

     

    Despite a 70-60 loss to Korea University on Tuesday at the Binjiang Gymnasium in Hangzhou, China, UP punched its ticket to the quarterfinals after securing second place in Pool B.

     

    The Fighting Maroons entered the matchup already holding the inside track to the knockout stage following Monday’s victory over Japan’s Hakuoh University, allowing them to treat the clash against the unbeaten Koreans as a chance to measure themselves against one of the tournament favorites.

     

    Korea University showed why it topped the group from the opening half.

     

    The Koreans built a 15-point cushion midway through the second quarter, taking a commanding 35-20 lead behind their disciplined offense and suffocating defense.

     

    Rather than folding, however, UP responded with one of its best stretches of the game.

     

    A 10-0 burst highlighted by Chicco Briones’ three-point play suddenly cut the deficit to just five points at 35-30, giving the Fighting Maroons a chance to completely swing the momentum before halftime.

     

    That proved to be the closest they would get.

     

    Korea University immediately answered with an 11-0 run that carried over into the third quarter, restoring full control of the contest with a 46-30 advantage.

     

    UP continued to fight throughout the second half and made several pushes to trim the deficit, but every rally was met by timely baskets from the Koreans, who completed an unbeaten run through Pool B.

     

    Noy Remogat paced the Fighting Maroons with 15 points despite shooting 4-of-12 from the field.

     

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    Veejay Pre provided support with 10 points and seven rebounds, while Briones added eight points during UP’s comeback attempts.

     

    Korea University’s balanced attack proved to be the difference.

     

    Seok Jun Hwi led the way with 14 points, eight assists, six rebounds, and two steals, while Kim Jeong Hyun Daniel also scored 14 points and grabbed eight rebounds.

     

    Yoo Min Soo and Shim Ju Eon chipped in 11 points each as four Korean players finished in double figures.

     

    The defeat did little to derail UP’s campaign.

     

    With a 1-1 record, the Fighting Maroons advanced to the quarterfinals, where a much bigger challenge awaits.

     

    Their next opponent will be the winner of Pool A, which will be determined after China’s Tsinghua University and Japan’s Waseda University battle for the top spot later Tuesday.

     

    For UP, the group stage served its purpose.

     

    The Fighting Maroons are still alive, and with the knockout rounds now beginning, every game becomes an opportunity to prove they belong among Asia’s best university basketball programs.

     

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  • Former UP-star Gerry Abadiano takes next step overseas, signs with Ulsan Hyundai Mobis in KBL 

    Former UP-star Gerry Abadiano takes next step overseas, signs with Ulsan Hyundai Mobis in KBL 

    Gerry Abadiano’s basketball journey is taking him beyond Philippine shores.

     

    After establishing himself as one of the University of the Philippines’ most reliable backcourt players and carving out a solid start to his professional career in the MPBL, the 25-year-old guard is set to begin a new chapter after signing with Ulsan Hyundai Mobis for the 2026-27 Korean Basketball League season.

     

    The South Korean club officially announced Abadiano’s arrival, making him the latest Filipino to earn an opportunity in one of Asia’s top professional leagues.

     

    His signing also continues Ulsan Hyundai Mobis’ growing connection with Filipino talent. Abadiano becomes the fourth Filipino Asian import to suit up for the Phoebus, joining the likes of RJ Abarrientos, Miguel Oczon, and Jake Figueroa.

     

    Before completing the move, Abadiano secured clearance from his current Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League team, San Juan, allowing him to pursue the overseas opportunity.

     

    The move caps a memorable stretch in which the Iloilo City native helped anchor one of the most successful eras in UP men’s basketball.

     

    In his final UAAP campaign, Abadiano embraced the role of the Fighting Maroons’ starting point guard, averaging 8.72 points, 1.94 rebounds, and 1.56 assists per contest during Season 88 while providing leadership and defensive intensity in the backcourt.

     

    He carried that consistency into the MPBL, where he has averaged 9.6 points, 2.6 rebounds, and 1.9 assists through 14 games with San Juan.

     

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    His departure also signals the closing of a significant chapter for UP’s veteran core. Over the years, Abadiano formed the backbone of the Fighting Maroons alongside longtime teammates Harold Alarcon, Reyland Torres, and Terrence Fortea, helping sustain the program’s rise as one of the UAAP’s perennial contenders.

     

    Now, Abadiano follows the growing path of Filipino players seeking opportunities abroad, with the KBL continuing to emerge as a destination where local talents can test themselves against a higher level of competition while further developing their games.

     

    His arrival also comes at an important time for Ulsan Hyundai Mobis, which is looking to rebound from a disappointing 2025-26 campaign after finishing eighth in the league standings with an 18-36 record.

     

    For Abadiano, the opportunity represents more than just his first overseas contract. It is the next step in a career built on steady growth, as he looks to prove he belongs on another international stage while adding his name to the expanding list of Filipinos making an impact in the Korean Basketball League.

     

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  • UP begins UAAP Season 89 rebuild with Fil-Canadian guard Irish Coquia 

    UP begins UAAP Season 89 rebuild with Fil-Canadian guard Irish Coquia 

    The University of the Philippines remains focused on reclaiming the UAAP men’s basketball crown in Season 89 as the Fighting Maroons are making sure their future is in good hands.


    UP has secured the commitment of Fil-Canadian guard Irish Coquia, a move that strengthens the program’s long-term plans as it prepares for life beyond veteran backcourt leaders Rey Remogat and Rain Maga.

     

    The 6-foot-1 playmaker will serve the mandatory one-year residency requirement before becoming eligible for two seasons beginning in Season 90, giving the Fighting Maroons time to develop one of their newest recruits within Goldwin Monteverde’s system.

     

    “I chose UP because I believe this program can bring out the best in me. UP gave me a vision for my future that felt right not just in basketball, but in who I can become. I’m grateful for the opportunity to represent UP, grow under this program, and keep working towards my goals,” Coquia said.

     

    Coquia arrives in Diliman with experience at both levels of U.S. collegiate basketball. He most recently played for the University of New Orleans in NCAA Division I after first making his mark at NCAA Division II program Simon Fraser University.

     

    Long before his college career in the United States, Coquia established himself as one of British Columbia’s premier high school talents. He averaged 35 points per game while leading his team to a provincial championship, earning Most Valuable Player honors in the process.

     

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    The Fil-Canadian guard, who turns 21 in September, is expected to become a key figure in UP’s next-generation backcourt. 

     

    By the time he becomes eligible in Season 90, both Remogat and Maga will have exhausted their playing eligibility, opening the door for Coquia to team up with fellow Fil-Am recruit Joaquin Tovera.

     

    For Monteverde, the addition is part of ensuring continuity within one of the UAAP’s most successful programs in recent years.

     

    “Together with our other recruits, makakatulong si Irish sa atin, especially to ensure na tuloy-tuloy lang tayo pagkatapos ng playing years nina Rey at Rain,” said Monteverde.

     

    The commitment also carries personal significance for Coquia, whose family roots trace back to Dagupan City, Pangasinan. His uncle, multidisciplinary communicator Rex Laguerta, studied at the UP Open University from 2019 to 2024, making the newest Fighting Maroon’s arrival a homecoming of sorts.

     

    UP continues to build from a position of sustained success. The Fighting Maroons are coming off their fifth consecutive UAAP Finals appearance, a stretch highlighted by championships in Seasons 84 and 87.

     

    As the Maroons chase redemption in Season 89 after falling to the DLSU Green Archers in last season’s best-of-three championship series, the commitment of Coquia signals that the program is looking beyond its immediate title aspirations—investing in a future it hopes will keep UP among the league’s perennial contenders for years to come.

     

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  • Malick Diouf, Elizabeth Means officially receive Philippine passports after naturalization 

    Malick Diouf, Elizabeth Means officially receive Philippine passports after naturalization 

    The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) has taken another major step toward strengthening its 3×3 national basketball program after Malick Diouf and Elizabeth Means officially received their Philippine passports on Wednesday.


    The federation marked the milestone by sharing photos of both players taking their oath of allegiance to the Philippines at the House of Representatives before completing passport processing at the Department of Foreign Affairs Office of Consular Affairs.

     

    Their passports formally complete the final stage of a journey that began when they became Filipino citizens on May 18. Diouf and Means were granted Philippine citizenship under Republic Act 12318 and Republic Act 12319, respectively, after the measures lapsed into law without the signature of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.

     

    Celebrating the occasion, the SBP welcomed its newest Filipino athletes.

     

    “Filipinos, finally! Maodo Malick Diouf and Beth [Means] have secured their Philippine passports and are now officially Filipino citizens.”

     

    The federation also acknowledged the Office of the President and members of Congress for supporting the naturalization process that made the development possible.

     

    With their Philippine passports now secured, both players are officially eligible to represent the country in international 3×3 competitions under Gilas Pilipinas, adding valuable depth to the national pool ahead of future tournaments.

     

    “This is an important step in the right direction for Gilas Pilipinas 3×3,” SBP stated.

     

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    For Means, the milestone brings an opportunity she has long anticipated. Having competed in several local tournaments, including the inaugural Cebu Hustle 3×3, she is eager to finally wear the Philippine colors on the international stage.

     

    “Oh my gosh, it has been a process, and I’m so excited.”

     

    Means played collegiate basketball for Westminster University in NCAA Division II and traces her Filipino roots to Naga City in Camarines Sur.

     

    Diouf, meanwhile, already has an established basketball résumé in the Philippines. During his stint with the University of the Philippines in the UAAP, he emerged as one of the league’s most dominant players, capturing both the UAAP Finals MVP award and the season’s Most Valuable Player honors in 2022.

     

    While celebrating the completion of Diouf’s and Means’ citizenship process, the SBP has already turned its attention to another key target.

     

    The federation remains hopeful that Bennie Boatwright’s naturalization will be finalized before the 2026 Asian Games in Nagoya, Japan, scheduled from September 19 to October 4.

     

    Boatwright’s naturalization bill was approved on third and final reading on June 17 and, like those of Diouf and Means, could become law without the President’s signature after 30 days from receipt.

     

    Should Boatwright complete the process in time and secure his Philippine passport, the SBP could enter the continental competition with another significant reinforcement as it continues to build a more competitive Gilas Pilipinas program.

     

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  • Joan Monares stays the course after PVL Draft snub, trusts UP-built resilience 

    Joan Monares stays the course after PVL Draft snub, trusts UP-built resilience 

    For many aspiring professional volleyball players, draft night serves as the finish line of years of sacrifice.

     

    For Joan Monares, it may simply be another chapter in a journey that has rarely followed the easiest path.

     

    The former University of the Philippines captain left the 2026 PVL Draft without hearing her name called among the 38 hopefuls gathered at Novotel Manila in Cubao. While 11 players officially began their professional careers, Monares found herself in unfamiliar territory — not selected, but far from defeated.

     

    If there was one athlete in the draft pool equipped to handle disappointment, it was the player whose entire collegiate career was built on enduring uncertainty.

     

    Representing UP in the UAAP meant surviving years of rebuilding, adapting to multiple coaching changes, and continuing to believe even when victories were difficult to come by. Those experiences shaped Monares into more than just a volleyball player. They taught her how to stay grounded when things did not go according to plan.

     

    “If yung goal mo is to gain more experience, wala ka talagang talo. For UP, I am just really grateful and thankful that I got to experience everything. UP made me really strong, patient, and very resilient,” Monares told Tiebreaker Times.

     

    “I know there’s still hope for all of us, for all of us na hindi na-draft tonight.”

     

    The statement reflected the perspective of someone who understands that progress is not always measured by immediate rewards.

     

    During her years with the Fighting Maroons, Monares witnessed the program gradually climb from the lower half of the standings into a team capable of threatening for a Final Four spot. After combined seven-win campaigns from Seasons 84 to 86, UP steadily improved, finishing sixth in Seasons 87 and 88 and proving it could compete with the league’s established contenders.

     

    Those experiences taught Monares that setbacks rarely tell the whole story.

     

    “I feel like UP made me really strong to a point, na I can handle everything. Kung ano man mangyari sa akin, kung saan man mapunta, or whatever challenges it may be, I am just really grateful na I get to have this chance, and I am not closing any doors. I am really open to any opportunities — may it be volleyball or outside that,” the pride of Bacolod shared.

     

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    Unlike many draft hopefuls who spent the past months attending team workouts and preparing for the Draft Combine, Monares was balancing a different challenge.

     

    The 24-year-old outside hitter continued rehabilitation for a lingering back injury that limited her throughout most of UAAP Season 88 while simultaneously completing her undergraduate thesis at UP. Graduation remained a priority, and it required sacrifices.

     

    Now that both responsibilities are behind her, Monares believes she can fully dedicate herself to whatever opportunity comes next.

     

    “I think as a free agent, it does not matter if you get drafted tonight or mag-free agent ka. I think hindi ‘yon yung magde-define sa kanila [na] if na-draft ka sa event or not. There is still hope and many chances to get to do kasi pwede ka ring mag-tryout and explore teams,” Monares said.

     

    “For me, lang kasi I was not able to train as much as other teams kasi mas nag-focus ako sa academics ko kasi I am graduating. I am just looking at the brighter side na after this draft, I have more time to try out and play with teams, kasi I am finished with school.”

     

    Rather than dwelling on what did not happen, Monares spent draft night celebrating those who reached the milestone she continues to pursue.

     

    Among them was former UP teammate Irah Jaboneta, who was selected fifth overall by Nxled, as well as her younger sister Ann Monares, who completed her rookie season with Farm Fresh after being drafted last year.

     

    “I am just really proud of them kasi they get to play — that’s their dream, and that’s their passion. I support them no matter what.”

     

    For now, Monares enters free agency carrying no bitterness and very little regret.

     

    The dream of playing in the PVL remains alive. More importantly, she believes the years she spent wearing maroon prepared her for moments exactly like this.

     

    After all, resilience was never something she learned after missing the draft.

     

    It was something she developed long before draft night ever arrived.

     

    “For me naman, I am not really closing all doors, may it be in volleyball or outside that. Just volleyball is a really big part of my life. I am just shooting my shot na makakalaro pa ba ako for PVL,” she said.

     

    “I am just grateful.” 

     

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  • SGA pledges support as Alas Pilipinas rebuild roster ahead of AVC Women’s Cup

    SGA pledges support as Alas Pilipinas rebuild roster ahead of AVC Women’s Cup

    A major reset is underway for Alas Pilipinas Women as the Philippine National Volleyball Federation begins reshaping its national team program ahead of the AVC Women’s Cup scheduled from June 6 to 14 in Candon City.

     

    PNVF president Tonyboy Liao confirmed that the federation is rebuilding the roster after losing several key players from its previous core, forcing the program to rethink its composition just weeks before the continental tournament.

     

    At the same time, support is coming in from the private sector, with Frank Lao and his Strong Group Athletics pledging a major commitment to the national program. 

     

    This includes players and coaching staff from Farm Fresh Foxies and ZUS Coffee Thunderbelles, as well as collegiate programs in UAAP and NCAA such as University of Santo Tomas, University of the Philippines, College of Saint Benilde, and Letran.

     

    SGA is also set to shoulder the salaries of its players and coaches who will join the national pool, a move Liao sees as crucial in strengthening the long-term pipeline for Philippine volleyball.

     

    “It’s good that he’s willing to help (Philippine) volleyball. We have to start preparing for the 2029 World Championship, especially since his teams have a lot of young players with great potential. They may still be raw right now, but by that time, they’ll already be fully matured,” Liao said.

     

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    As part of the long-term buildup, Farm Fresh and ZUS Coffee have also committed their first two PVL Draft rounds to the Alas program, aligning their development path with the national team’s 2029 FIVB World Championship plans.

     

    However, challenges remain on the immediate horizon. Newly-appointed head coach Tai Bundit is currently sidelined after an accident in Thailand, forcing the federation to tap his coaching staff to temporarily lead the team.

     

    An interim head coach is expected to be chosen from a pool that includes Sherwin Meneses, Shaq Delos Santos, Geuel Asia, Krung Arbasto, JP Yude, and Benson Bocboc, as internal discussions continue.

     

    Liao is also monitoring the availability of key La Salle standouts Angel Canino, Shevana Laput, and Amie Provido, who are fresh off a dominant 16-0 UAAP Season 88 run.

     

    The rebuilding comes after a decorated stretch for the previous Alas core, which delivered back-to-back historic runs in the AVC Women’s Cup—winning bronze in 2024 at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum and reaching the finals in 2025 before falling to powerhouse Vietnam.

     

    That same core also collected four consecutive SEA V.League bronze medals, although a podium finish at the 33rd SEA Games in Thailand remained elusive.

     

    Now, with a new pool forming and leadership still in transition, the program is entering a crucial rebuilding phase that will define its next competitive cycle.

     

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  • La Salle secures Final Four edge, UP keeps playoff bid alive

    La Salle secures Final Four edge, UP keeps playoff bid alive

    The race for the Final Four tightened further in UAAP Season 88 women’s volleyball on Wednesday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena, as the UP Fighting Maroons women’s volleyball team kept their hopes alive while the De La Salle Lady Spikers secured a crucial advantage heading into the playoffs.


    In the 1 p.m. opener, UP refused to let its season slip away, sweeping the struggling Ateneo Blue Eagles women’s volleyball team, 25-20, 25-14, 25-23.

     

    The victory, just their second in the last seven games, lifted the Fighting Maroons to a 5-6 record and kept them within striking distance of a Final Four spot.

     

    Nina Ytang powered UP with 18 points on 13 attacks, three blocks, and two aces. Irah Jaboneta made a solid return from a minor fitness issue with 12 points, while Kianne Olango contributed an all-around effort of eight points, 10 receptions, and five digs.

     

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    Ateneo, meanwhile, continued its difficult campaign, falling to 1-10 after absorbing its 10th loss in 11 games. Donna de Leon led the Blue Eagles with seven points, but no player reached double digits. Ana Hermosura and Alex Montoro chipped in five points each in the losing effort.

     

    UP now faces a critical stretch, taking on the Adamson Lady Falcons on April 15 and the FEU Lady Tamaraws on April 19 as it looks to break into the Final Four, while Ateneo will try to snap its skid against La Salle on April 11 at the Filoil EcoOil Centre.

     

    In the 3 p.m. main event, La Salle showed its championship poise, outlasting FEU in a five-set battle, 25-17, 25-22, 23-25, 19-25, 15-10, to remain unbeaten and secure the twice-to-beat advantage.

     

    The De La Salle Lady Spikers appeared in control early before the FEU Lady Tamaraws forced a decider. In the fifth set, however, La Salle reasserted dominance behind its balanced attack and net defense.

     

    Angel Canino delivered 24 points, 14 digs, and 10 receptions, while Shevana Laput paced all scorers with 25 points. Amie Provido added 17 points, highlighted by six blocks, while rookie setter Eshana Nunag orchestrated the offense with 32 excellent sets.

     

    FEU dropped to 6-5 after its second straight loss, now tied with Adamson for fourth place. Lovely Lopez led the Lady Tamaraws with 16 points and 24 excellent receptions, while Gerzel Petallo returned from injury to contribute 14 points.

     

    La Salle will next face Ateneo before wrapping up the elimination round against the University of the East Lady Warriors and defending champions NU Lady Bulldogs, while FEU looks to bounce back against UP in its next outing.

     

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  • NU Lady Bulldogs eye redemption against UP as UAAP Season 88 Round 2 kicks off

    NU Lady Bulldogs eye redemption against UP as UAAP Season 88 Round 2 kicks off

    The UAAP Season 88 women’s volleyball tournament shifts into high gear as the second round kicks off, putting the spotlight on consistency, redemption, and the relentless hunt for Final Four spots.


    Defending champion National University Lady Bulldogs enter the round eager to make amends after stumbling in the closing stretch of Round 1. 

     

    Their four-set loss to the DLSU Lady Spikers last Sunday dropped a dent in their momentum, leaving NU with a 5-2 record—already matching last season’s total elimination losses. 

     

    The Lady Bulldogs now sit second in the standings, narrowly ahead of the Lady Falcons, Lady Tamaraws, and Golden Tigresses, all holding 4-3, in a tight race for the No. 2 seed.

     

    NU will look for revenge as they face the UP Fighting Maroons at 3 p.m., a rematch of their first-round clash where the Maroons triumphed in a five-set match, 25-16, 25-16, 22-25, 29-31, 16-18. 

     

    Rookie star Sam Cantada, who returned from a right shin injury after colliding with libero IC Cepada and she’s determined to lead the charge and help the Lady Bulldogs reclaim their winning rhythm.

     

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    For the Fighting Maroons, Round 2 begins with the challenge of regaining momentum after a promising 3-1 start was derailed by three consecutive losses to FEU, UST, and Adamson, compounded by the season-ending injury of key player Casiey Dongallo. 

     

    Niña Ytang now shoulders the responsibility to lift the squad, teaming up with Jelai Gajero to fill the void left by Dongallo.

     

    In the opening game of Round 2, FEU Lady Tamaraws take on the winless UE Red Warriors. FEU is eager to rebound after finishing Round 1 with a sweep loss to UST, and the team could be without Gerzel Petallo, who suffered a right shoulder injury during a collision with teammate Marga Encarnacion. 

     

    Head coach Tina Salak is relying on Jazz Ellarina, Faida Bakanke, Aly Devosora, Lovely Lopez, and setter Tin Ubaldo to guide the Lady Tamaraws back to form.

     

    Meanwhile, UE is determined to snap their Round 1 winless streak. Head coach Jumbo Dimaculangan looks to her top scorer Khy Cepada, captain Van Bangayan, and Bea Zamudio to keep the Red Warriors competitive in a daunting second round.

     

    With the second round underway, every match carries weight, and each team is fighting not only for wins but for validation. As injuries test depth, streaks are challenged, and rivalries intensify, one thing is clear, the path to the UAAP Season 88 Final Four will demand grit and unwavering focus from every squad.

     

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