By: Ernest Tuazon
University of the East (UE) opened its bid in the 2024 V-League Women’s Collegiate Challenge in impressive fashion, crushing reigning NCAA champion De La Salle-College of St. Benilde (CSB) in straight sets, 25-22, 25-23, 25-21, at the Paco Arena in Manila on Wednesday night.
The Lady Warriors staged multiple comebacks to complete their domination of the Lady Blazers in a battle between Jerry Yee-coached squads.
“They (Lady Blazers) have had the advantage over us the past couple of weeks, so I’m very happy that the girls pulled through even coming from behind,” said UE assistant coach Obet Vital.
Down by as many as five points midway through the final set, 12-17, UE rattled off a pivotal 9-1 run to gain momentum and sweep CSB.
An unsuccessful floor touch challenge by the Lady Blazers, coupled with a crosscourt hit from Khy Cepada, propelled the Lady Warriors to victory in an inspiring start to their V-League campaign.
“The girls really played with heart, they were mentally tough, had a good attitude, and they kept calm throughout the three sets,” added Vital.
Cepada, who was celebrating her birthday, led UE with 20 points, all from attacks. Meanwhile, Kayce Balingit and Jenalyn Umayam contributed 12 and 10 markers, respectively.
Jelai Gajero also returned to the court for the first time since tearing her ACL in the same tournament seven months ago. The California Academy standout focused on regaining her floor defense for the game.
Holdovers Corrine Apostol and Rhea Densing paced CSB with 14 and 12 points, respectively.
(C) V-League Images
Meanwhile, the University of the Philippines (UP) – which endured a tough five-set defeat against Colegio de San Juan de Letran last Sunday – survived a grueling battle this time, edging out Far Eastern U, 20-25, 25-19, 26-24, 17-25, 16-14.
Down by six points in the fifth set, 7-13, UP unleashed a crippling 7-0 run to stun FEU and gain match point advantage. The Lady Tamaraws tied the game with a crosscourt hit by Lovely Lopez, but an off-the-block attack by Irah Jaboneta and a down-the-line hit from Kianne Olango completed the Fighting Maroons’ comeback.
This is their first women’s volleyball win since defeating UE in four sets on March 17.
“This is a sign that we really prepared for this year. With our new recruits, we aim to improve significantly, and there are more good things to come,” said UP assistant coach Mario Mia.
Kassandra Doering led the Fighting Maroons with 16 points built on nine attacks and seven blocks.
Meanwhile, Olango backed her up with 15 points from 10 attacks, three blocks, and two aces.
FEU senior Chenie Tagaod spearheaded FEU with 20 points from 16 attacks, two blocks, and two aces, while Gerzel Petallo chipped in 18 markers.
