The University of the Philippines Lady Maroons stayed in the hunt for a seat in the Premier Volleyball League Collegiate Conference semis with a decisive win over the College of Saint Benilde Lady Blazers, 25-19, 25-13, 25-19, at the FilOil Flying V Centre.
While each set was close early on, the Lady Maroons wasted no time pulling away and keeping the the Lady Blazers behind a comfortable wall. UP held a 16-10 lead in the first set, 13-8 in the second, and 19-9 in the third.
The Lady Blazers tried to rall back in the third set, coming within two, 19-21, but the Lady Maroons answered with solid transition hits to close the match.
“Maganda kasi ‘yung game ng team ngayon. Nakaka-execute kami ng mga ginagawa namin sa practice and, at the same time, nagkukulang din ‘yung CSB. Kailangan namin ‘yung win so it’s good na ganito pinakita namin,” said UP skipper Diana Carlos, who topped all scorer swith 14 points.
Middle hitter Marian Buitre added 10 points, while Isa Molde managed eight markers.
Marites Pablo, Ranya Musa, and Diane Ventura each tallied an anemic four points for the Lady Blazers.
UP (2-1) face fellow Group B semis contenders Arellano University (2-1), on September 30, in a match that could determine who stays in the tournament. CSB (0-3) will try again to pick up their first win against the Technological Institute of the Philippines (0-3) also on September 30.
The Scores
UP (3) – Carlos 14, Buitre 10, Dorog 8, Molde 8, Ramos 5, Cailing 3, Gannaban 2, Layug 2, Escutin 0, Rozier 0, Sandoval 0, Estrañero (L)
CSB (0) – Musa 4, Pablo 4, Ventura 4, Abriam 3, Austero 3, Cardiente 3, Dolorito 1, Engico 1, Daguil 0, Umali 0, Lim (L), Torres (L)
