The University of the Philippines Maroons Spikers took down another preseason favorite, inching out a close four-set win over the De La Salle University Green Spikers 25-23, 25-21, 21-25, 27-25 earlier today at the FilOil Flying V Centre.
Fumbling their passes early, DLSU stumbled into a 2-8 hole in the first frame. The Green Spikers eventually shored up their ball control and threatened to come back. UP, however, had answers for every La Salle side out and saw their lead swell to seven, 19-12. After a timeout, the Green Spikers finally came alive, feeding off UP’s miscues and taking the lead, 23-21, and forcing a UP timeout. UP setter Charles Acuna’s serving pulled the Maroons out of their funk, coaxing bad passes out of La Salle. UP scored the final four points of the set, with Raymark Woo firing an attack wide to give UP the early set lead.
Both squads figured in a tighter second set with UP pulling away midway through. After Mac Millete and Wendel Miguel spikes, the Maroons established a 15-11 lead. Through Woo’s attacking and UP’s errors, the Green Spikers managed to force a 19-all tie. But, again, DLSU fell apart just as they were building momentum. UP quickly got up to set point, 24-20, then waited for a La Salle error to seal the set.
Reeling from their two disappointing losses, the Green Spikers came alive halfway through the third set. Building off Ralph Calasin’s hot serving, DLSU bolted to an 19-12 lead. UP managed to trim the deficit down to four, 15-19, but the Green Spikers halted their advance. DLSU managed to trade side outs until UP surrendered consecutive errors that handed La Salle the set.
La Salle would have forced a fifth set if not for heroics from veteran Maroons. UP inched out a 24-23 lead after they converted a hit. Team captains Woo and Valbuena traded hits after to prolong the set, but the Maroons eventually got a break after a Wendel Miguel cross court kill followed by a converted triple block on Arjay Onia.
“Maganda ‘yung pinakita ng mga bata sa depensa namin. Hindi talaga sila bumitaw kahit dikitan na ‘yung laban,” said UP head coach Rod Palmero who was also lauded the play of his veterans.
“Nakikita naman na wala pa ‘yung palo ng mga freshmen namin kaya kailangan talaga sila makapuntos ng marami,” Palmero added.
Miguel led a balanced UP attack with 15 points, while rookie opposite hitter Mac Millete pitched in 13.
Woo topped the Spikers with 26 points, while his fellow open spiker Arjay Onina managed 15 markers. Both were the only La Sallians in double-digits.
After losing their first match of the season, the Maroons have won their last three matches. La Salle lost their third straight match after winning its first.
Both squads will have their next match on Sunday at the MoA Arena. UP will take on the defending champs Ateneo at 8 a.m. while DLSU have the streaking Adamson Falcons at 10 a.m.
The Scores
UP (3) – Miguel 15, Millete 13, Valbuena 11, Raymundo 10, San Pascual 10, Consuelo 5, Luna 1, Nasol (L)
DLSU (1) – Woo 26, Onia 15, Calasin 8, Frey 8, Jose 5, Marco 3, Bacon 1, Dumago 1, Asia G. 1, Delos Reyes 0, Movido (L), Asia R. (L)
