The University of the Philippines Lady Maroons rebounded from a tough five-set loss last week to the Adamson University Lady Falcons with a resounding sweep of the Technological Institute of the Philippines Lady Engineers 25-20, 25-9, 25-13 in the Premier Volleyball League Collegiate Conference at the FilOil Flying V Centre.
The Lady Maroons were in the driver’s seat for the entire match, keeping a steady cushion between them and the Lady Engineers. UP surged ahead 21-12 in the first set, 20-6 in the second frame, then 16-3 in the final set to quickly seal the game’s outcome.
With Jerry Yee’s resignation still fresh in the Lady Maroons’ minds, the focus of the coaching staff was to keep their players’ heads on the match.
“Mahirap kasi nga kaka-resign pa lang ni coach Jerry so kailangan namin ibalik ‘yung focus ng mga bata,” said UP assistant coach Rald Ricafort. “Ngayon na mababawasan na ‘yung distractions sa amin, makakapag-mind setting na ulet kami.”
Skipper Tots Carlos led the Lady Maroons, serving a whopping 10 aces and scoring off eight blocks, with 14 points. Isa Molde added 12 markers.
Ashley Jinon led the anemic TIP attack with six points while former Lady Maroon Alyssa Layug added five.
UP now sport a 1-1 record in Group B. They take on the CSB Lady Blazers (0-1) next Monday. Meanwhile, the Lady Engineers dropped to an 0-2 slate. They face the NCAA champions AU Lady Chiefs (1-1) also on Monday.
The Scores
UP (3) – Carlos 14, Molde 12, Buitre 9, Ramos 6, Dorog 5, Rosier 5, Cailing 1, Escutin 1, Alinas 0, Estrañero (L), Thai (L)
TIP (0) – Jinon 6, Layug 5, Mabayao 4, Gentapa 3, Cahigao 2, Consencino 1, Agustin 0, Estoque 0, Yamson 0, Espinosa (L), Guling (L)
