The University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons showed immense composure and denied the College of Saint Benilde Blazers in three tight sets, 25-21, 25-20, 25-23, to solidify their bid for a playoff berth at the 2018 Premier Volleyball League Collegiate Conference, Wednesday afternoon at the FilOil Flying V Centre.
Needing this victory to fuel their semis bid, the Diliman-based team leaned on the scoring of team captain Mac Millete to pull it off. The opposite hitter ended up with 17 points off 16 attacks, along with seven digs.
Last year’s skipper Jerry San Pedro also had 10 markers and eight receptions.
UP and CSB battled through each of the frames of the match, but it was chemistry that prevailed for the former to eventually secure the match. To this head coach Hans Chuacuco attributed the victory.
“Yung leadership talaga nila sa court. Yung maturity nila, yung adjustments nila sa court. Kung laman tayo, anong gagawin natin? Kung naghahabol, anong adjustment?” the former Fighting Maroon pointed out.
Transferee Ruvince Abrot led the charge for the Blazers with 16 points off 13 spikes, two blocks, and an ace.
The Maroons (4-2) will battle the University of Santo Tomas (5-0) on Sunday, August 19 at 11am. CSB (3-3) will face the De La Salle University Green Spikers (2-4) the day before at 6pm.
The Scores:
UP 3 – Millete 17, San Pedro 10, Gohoc 6, Baldelovar 4, Castillo 4, Ijiran 3, Consuelo 2, Enteria 0, Nasol L.
CSB 0 – Abrot 16, De Sequera 9, Basilan 6, Adviento 5, Bacani 5, Magsino 3, Almonte 0, Rojas 0, San Miguel 0, Dy L, Dumaran L.
