The Technological Institute of the Philippines Lady Engineers pulled off a rousing come-from-behind, five-set win at the expense of the De La Salle University-Dasmariñas Lady Patriots 20-25, 17-25, 25-23, 25-20, 15-8 in their first match of the Shakey’s V-League Collegiate Conference at the FilOil Flying-V Arena.
In a match filled to the brim with errors and long rallies, the Lady Patriots thrived early by simply limiting their errors and going to their veterans, Cherry Rose Nunag and guest player, Desiree Dadang for quick points. However, DLSU’s overall floor defense took a steep nosedive in the third set, allowing TIP to generate easy points off countless free balls. Still the third and fourth sets were close affairs, however TIP proved more composed under pressure, finding a way to cut down on their mistakes though they were the less experienced of the teams. In the final set, TIP had little to no good service receptions leading to an easy win for the Lady Engineers.
In total, both teams coughed up a combined 72 errors with DLSU accountable for 44 of them. TIP derived most of their offense from off-the-bench, open hitter Michelle Dela Cruz who drove home 17 points off 14 attacks, two blocks, and an ace. Former UP Lady Maroon, Alyssa Layug paced the TIP offense with 12 points. Another former Lady Maroon who suited up for the Lady Engineers, Sheeka Espinosa managed two points in two and a half sets of action.
Dominant in the UCAA, the Lady Engineers were incredibly nervous about the sure jump in level of competition they were going to experience in the loaded Shakey’s V-League tournament according to their head coach, Boy Paril. “Kasama na talaga ‘yun. Halata naman sa mga player ko na kabado talaga sile, ‘yung iba nga namumutla ‘yung labi. Nagsisimula pa lang naman kasi ‘yung team so wala alam namin na mahihirapan kami sa liga ditto. Buti na lang nanalo,” Paril expressed.
The Lady Patriots were led by the auspicious setting of one-time UAAP best setter and guest player Gyzelle Sy who netted five points to go with her 23 excellent sets. DLSU veteran middle blocker, Cherry Rose Nunag provided a team-high 14 points while Desiree Dandang contributed 11 markers.
The Lady Engineers have the Lady Blazers up next while the DLSU will face UST. Both matches will be held on July 18.
The Scores
TIP (3) – Dela Cruz 17, Layug 12, Fidel 7, Maderazo 6, Verano 6, Acuna 6, Maturan 5, Pasion 2, Espinosa 2, Soliva (L), Sarmiento (L)
DLSU-D (2) – Nunag 14, Dadang 11, Lara 9, Yongco 8, Delfin 5, Sy 5, Galicia 5, Navidad 0, Pasco 0, Tianco 0, Abalos 0, Bartolazo (L), Amutan (L)
