The UP Fighting Maroons end a 10-game losing streak against the DLSU Green Spikers with a four-set victory in UAAP Season 88 men's volleyball.
The UP Fighting Maroons made history in the UAAP Season 88 men's volleyball tournament by snapping a nine-year, 10-game losing streak against the DLSU Green Spikers with a four-set victory, 25-23, 25-19, 21-25, 25-22, on Wednesday. Sophomore standout Olayemi Raheem once again spearheaded the Maroons' attack, delivering a dominant 29-point performance consisting of 25 spikes, three blocks, and an ace. The win improved UP’s record to 2-1, placing them in a three-way tie for second alongside NU and UST, while keeping La Salle winless after three outings.
Despite a mid-match comeback attempt from the Green Spikers in the third set, UP regained their composure in the fourth frame behind Raheem’s clutch crosscourt kills and timely hits from Tommy Castrodes. Milven Francisco also provided a significant boost for the Fighting Maroons with 11 points on an efficient 9-of-15 attacking clip. De La Salle, led by Issa Ousseini’s 14 markers and Rui Ventura’s five blocks, was plagued by 24 unforced errors, resulting in their worst season start since 2019.