MANILA, Philippines–Fresh off a monumental upset, University of the Philippines on Sunday annexed another victory to stay within whiffing range of a Final Four berth in the UAAP women’s volleyball tournament.

The Fighting Maroons put the University of the East away with ease, 25-21, 25-18, 25-17, in the curtain-raiser at Smart Araneta Coliseum on Sunday.

Anchored by Irah Jaboneta’s all-around play of 13 points spiked with nine digs and eight excellent receptions, the Katipunan-based squad reached .500 anew, its 5-5 win-loss mark putting itself just a shade outside of the qualifying threshold for the next round.

READ: UAAP: ‘UP Fight’ on full display in beating NU

UP coach Benson Bocboc, Irah Jaboneta, and Kassandra Doering after sweeping UE. #UAAPSeason87 @INQUIRERSports pic.twitter.com/0f2ubzymRR

— Lance Agcaoili (@LanceAgcaoilINQ) March 30, 2025

Joan Monares topscored with 15 points, while Kassandra Doering chipped in with eight. Niña Ytang added six as UP, who opened the season with two wins, got a streak going once again just four days removed from taking down defending champion National University.

So transformative was the Fighting Maroons’ upset of the Lady Bulldogs that they managed to sweep UE—their first in six years.

Van Bangayan put up 13 points, but without ample support, the Lady Warriors stayed winless after 10 meetings, their chances of advancing officially nil.