University of the Philippines’ Joan Monares against De La Salle University in the UAAP Season 87 women’s volleyball tournament. Photo from UAAP Media.

MANILA (UPDATED) — University of the Philippines remained alive in the UAAP Season 87 Final 4 race after its five-set victory over De La Salle University.

The Fighting Maroons’ hopes of entering the postseason after nine years are still within reach after they defeated the Lady Spikers, 26-24, 18-25, 19-25, 25-22, 16-14, in their Round 2 clash on Palm Sunday at the Araneta Coliseum in Cubao, Quezon City.

Joan Monares shone for State U, putting up 16 points on 15 attacks and a block, and this was on top of seven digs and five receptions.

”I’m grateful na pinagkakatiwalaan ako,” said Monares, who delivered the game-sealing kill for the Fighting Maroons. “Malaking bagay na binibigay sa akin yung last point, so as much as possible, kinukuha ko yung ganung puntos para sa team.”

Aside from Monares, Kassy Doering also stood out, posting 15 markers on 12 attacks and three blocks, while Kianne Olango contributed 14 points, three digs, and two receptions.

These numbers not only helped UP to improve to 6-6 in the team standings, but they also paved the way for the Fighting Maroons to tally their first victory over La Salle since Season 81 in 2019.

They previously lost seven straight outings vs. the Lady Spikers before this contest.

Tied at 14 in the extension, Doering gave UP the match point, and this also ended the nine-to-four charge that La Salle put up to close in on their Diliman-based counterparts.

Monares then ended the contest in their next possession, with the 23-year-old converting on an attack for their 16-14 Set 5 win.

On the other hand, Angel Canino’s 25 points, seven digs, and seven receptions, and Shevana Laput’s 27 markers and nine digs went for naught as they failed to shut the door on UP and eliminate them from Final 4 contention.

The Lady Spikers are now at 8-4 in the team standings.

RELATED VIDEO: