MANILA, Philippines — After winning a total of two games in the past two seasons, Irah Jaboneta is thrilled to be part of University of the Philippines’ rise in the UAAP Season 87 women’s volleyball tournament.

Riding on the crest of their upset of defending champion National University last Wednesday, UP ousted winless University of the East, 25-21, 25-18, 25-17, to climb into fifth place on Sunday at Smart Araneta Coliseum.

“I’m so happy because we’ve been working hard for years, and now we’re seeing the results. But of course, we’re not contented yet because we still have goals to reach. So we just have to keep working,” said Jaboneta after tallying 13 points, nine digs, and eight excellent receptions as UP notched its first straight-sets win in three years.

READ: UAAP: UP reaches .500 mark after easing past UE

Irah Jaboneta on UP’s rise to fifth place. #UAAPSeason87 @INQUIRERSports pic.twitter.com/gXL2TUpleQ

— Lance Agcaoili (@LanceAgcaoilINQ) March 30, 2025

“Both the wins and losses in the past games. It’s been a huge motivation for us to fight for every game. Some games were tough, but we learned from them and used that strength to keep pushing and win.”

The fourth-year outside spiker believes the Fighting Maroons are communicating better with one another this season as the players and coaches are all receptive and open to each other in improving their game.

“Now, the chemistry is different. It feels more like a family, especially with all the younger players. We’re enjoying the game more because of how they interact with us. We’re so lucky they’re open to us. It feels great to know they’re happy to be with us. That’s the difference this year,” she said.

“The key is being open. Even coach is open to new ideas. We learn something new every game, and we’ve adapted to that mindset.”

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

Irah Jaboneta says his brother Janjan’s career with UP men’s basketball team inspired her. #UAAPSeason87 @INQUIRERSports pic.twitter.com/yUNuBQ8IYe

— Lance Agcaoili (@LanceAgcaoilINQ) March 30, 2025

Jaboneta is also drawing inspiration from his older brother Janjan, who was part of the UP men’s basketball team’s cellar-dwelling campaign before making its breakthrough to the Season 81 finals in 2018.

“I’ve seen what the team has gone through, he brought me [in their practice and game]. He always tells me to give my all when I play for UP because that’s what will help the team. He’s a big inspiration for me. He’s the reason I’m always motivated to play my best,” said the younger Jaboneta.

Jaboneta has emerged as one of the Fighting Maroons’ go-to scorers with Niña Ytang and Joan Monares as her only focus is to help her team return to the Final Four for the first time since 2016.

“I’m just focused on what I can contribute and my role in the team. I give my best in every game to help us win. it’s not just one person playing. It’s all about teamwork. We get our strength from each other. Whatever our role is, we do it to the best of our ability to reach our goal,” she said.