The University of the Philippines Lady Maroons relied on rookies Isa Molde and Justine Dorog dispatching the Philippine Coast Guard Lady Dolphins in straight sets 25-20, 25-22,27-25 to remained unbeaten in the Shakeys V-League Reinforced Conference at the FilOil Flying V Arena, Saturday afternoon.
Holding an 18-16 lead in a back and forth first set, Molde scored three of five points for the Lady Maroons to put them into a 23-18 lead. The errors of UP helped the Lady Dolphins decrease the lead, 23-20. Marian Buitre unleashed a quick hit to give the Lady Maroons set point, 24-20 and an attack error from Hyrize Macabuhay put the nail in the coffin for the Lady Dolphins and allowed the Lady Maroons to take the set.
The Lady Maroons continued their mastery over the Lady Dolphins in the second set, mounting a 24-17 lead thanks to the combined effort of Molde and Justine Dorog. Like in the first set, the Lady Dolphins climbed back into the set with errors coming from the Lady Maroons. Timely points coming from Rossan Fajardo and Michelle Manansala brought the score to 24-22 in favor of the Lady Maroons. Dorog saved the day for the Lady Maroons in scoring a drop shot to hand University of the Philippines two sets to none lead against Coast Guard.
Both teams played a a tough third set. Samantha Dawson scored off the block to give Coast Guard a 24-23 lead, but Sheena Chopitea and Dorog scored two straight points to give University of the Philippines a 25-24 advantage. A net touch violation by the Lady Maroons tied the game at 25 all, but the young Lady Maroons showed composure as Molde’s down the line attack and a four touches violation against the Lady Dolphins saved the Diliman based squad from the Lady Dolphins.
Despite remaining undefeated in the tournament, Lady Maroons Head Coach Jerry Yee is still cautious about the performance of his squad.
“Wala pa, we need four wins to qualify for the semis. Kailangan ng experience pa din, lalo na hindi pa rin maganda ang laro namin” Yee said.
Molde led the Lady Maroons with 15 points along with eight excellent digs while Dorog chipped 11 points.
The Lady Maroons(2-0) will next face the PLDT Home Ultera Ultra Fast Hitters(1-0) on October 31 at 12:45 PM while the Lady Dolphins(0-3) next assignment is against the KIA Forte(0-1) at 3:00 PM in the same day at the same venue.
The Scores:
UP (3) – Molde 15, Dorog 11, Bersola 5, Tiamzon 5, Carlos 4, Chopitea 3,Buitre 3, Cailing 2, Gannaban 2, Lai 1, Gaiser (L)
Coast Guard (0) – Fajardo 9, Dawson 8, Rosale 6, Macabuhay 6, Manansala 3, Clarete 2, Ponon 1, Ogana 0, Acepcion (L)
