MANILA, Philippines — Irah Jaboneta came through when it mattered most, towing University of the Philippines past Adamson for a much-needed victory in the UAAP Season 87 women’s volleyball tournament on Sunday.

Jaboneta fired seven of her 19 points in the deciding set as the Fighting Maroons overcame a record-setting performance by Lady Falcons rookie Shaina Nitura to snap a four-game slide.

“As senior on the court. I couldn’t just stay quiet. I suddenly felt the urge to show them that I’m fighting, so they know that I’m with them. We fight together for the team. We wanted to win, so we had to work hard for it,” said Jaboneta in Filipino after her all-around performance including 12 digs and 11 excellent receptions in the 25-15, 15-25, 24-26, 25-22, 15-10 victory.

READ: UAAP: Rookie Shaina Nitura sets scoring record in Adamson loss

Irah Jaboneta, Joan Monares, and Niña Ytang were relieved to pull off a comeback against the Shaina Nitura-led Adamson. #UAAPSeason87 @INQUIRERSports pic.twitter.com/hfQCWyNSm9

— Lance Agcaoili (@LanceAgcaoilINQ) March 16, 2025

“I just focused on defense, serving, blocking—whatever skill it took, everyone had to contribute. It wouldn’t have been possible if only one of us was doing it. I’m really proud and happy because everyone did their part, and we really stood by our goal to win.”

Amid Nitura’s 38-point explosion that eclipsed the previous mark of 35 points by Alyssa Valdez in Season 75 and Sisi Rondina in Season 81 in 2019, Jaboneta remained composed and focused on helping UP snap out of its slump.

“What mattered was that we really wanted to win. I didn’t focus on needing a certain score, it was more about helping the team score and win. It’s fulfilling because all our hard work paid off—every game we learn and our game, both individually and as a team, improves,” said Jaboneta, who at one stretch strung up six successive points midway through the fifth set.

Unfazed by pressure, the fourth-year spiker asked for the ball in the fifth set and took charge for the Maroons, who ended the first round with a 3-4 record.

READ: UAAP: UP survives Shaina Nitura’s record performance, Adamson

“Honestly, I really wanted to take over because I could feel it. I wanted to win, so I asked for every ball. I’m thankful to my teammates for bringing out that side of me, showing me that I could be that hungry for points for the team. I’m just really happy because they gave me the hunger to play like that,” she said.

Despite the struggles in the first half of the season, Jaboneta said what’s important is that UP kept it together until the team was able to find its way back on the right track.

“We had to face the losses. We had to really feel it so we could be hungrier to win. We’re really thankful to our coaches because even when they’re tired and have other work, they still find time for us. When they’re there, they really dedicate their time and patience to us. So, what reason would we have to stop or question what we’re doing when we see their sacrifices?” Jaboneta said. “That’s what keeps us going. We’re just happy that it’s showing, and we’ll keep pushing forward.”