Tots Carlos leads UP past UE in return from 6-month absence

After missing half a year due to a shin injury, University of the Philippines Lady Maroons captain Tots Carlos made an impact in her return, dropping 17 points and guiding her squad to a win over the University of the East Lady Warriors, 22-25, 25-16, 25-22, 31-29, on opening day of the Philippine Superliga Collegiate Grand Slam at the Ynares Sports Arena.

The fourth year winger scored crucial points down the stretch of a hotly-contested fourth set. Returning middle blocker Aie Gannaban then put the finishing touches on the long deuce.

“Today’s game, it’s a start. We won struggling,” said UP head coach Godfrey Okumu, as his squad allowed the Lady Warriors to crawl back in the fourth set.

“I would say there was no smooth flow to the game; every touch on the ball was a struggle. But a win is a win. There are a lot of things we can build on from this game,” the second-year head coach added.

Carlos built her 17 points on 11 attacks, five blocks, and an ace. Middle blocker Jessma Ramos added 10 markers, off five attacks, three blocks, and three aces.

UAAP Season 81 Best Digger and Best Receiver Kath Arado staunchly defended UE’s backline, tallying 30 digs and 23 excellent excepetions.

Mary Anne Mendrez and Judith Abil provided UE’s offense, managing 16 and 13 points, respectively.

The Scores

UP (3) – Carlos 17, Ramos 10, Gannaban 8, Dorog 6, Sandoval 6, Magsarile 6, Estrañero 5, Bernardo 4, Layug 3, Osorio 2, Lagman 1, Sotomil 0, Bautista (L), Siao (L)

UE (1) – Mendrez 16, Abil 13, Gabarda 6, Olarve 5, Rodriguez 5, Alcayde 3, Santos 2, Baliton 1, Bendong 1, Catindig 0, De Leon 0, Arado (L), Babol (L)