February 28, 2026

UAAP: UP stuns defending champion NU in five-set thriller

UAAP: UP stuns defending champion NU in five-set thriller
Bienne Bansil provided the finishing kick for UP in their win over the NU Lady Bulldogs. | Photo: RM Chua / One Sports

Can't spell upset without UP.

The UP Fighting Maroons became the first team to blemish NU's record in UAAP Season 88 after a thrilling five-set comeback win, 16-25, 16-25, 25-22, 31-29, 18-16, at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion on Saturday.

UP, who came off a humbling loss vs La Salle last time out, saved multiple match points in the fourth and fifth sets to complete the comeback victory.

Bienne Bansil provided back-to-back points to finish off the Lady Bulldogs in the extended fifth set, echoing UP’s upset of NU last year.

Both teams are now 3-1 in the standings.


Luisa Morales is a sports writer with a special interest in promoting women’s sports.

Her coverage highlights include the UAAP, PVL, Southeast Asian Games, and the FIBA World Cup. She also follows Alex Eala, the Philippine women’s national football team, and mixed martial arts.

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