UP fights back to clip Navy in SVL12 Reinforced Conference opener

University of the Philippines bucked off a dismal showing in the first set and leaned on its net defense in the next three sets to score a 19-25, 25-23, 25-23, 25-23 victory over Philippine Navy Saturday in the Shakey’s V-League Season 12 Reinforced Conference at the San Juan Arena.

Rookie Isa Molde fired 17 points on 14 attacks to carry the Lady Maroons, which battled back sans its main libero Arielle Estranero and spiker Vina Alinas who are in UAAP beach volleyball action.

Nicole Tiamzon added 14 points while Marian Buitre contributed 10 points including 3 blocks. UP had a 13-2 lead in blocks, helping shut the Lady Sailors towards the decisive sets.

The Lady Sailors threatened to take a commanding 2-0 lead in the match after going ahead 19-12 in the second frame.

But Molde and Diana Carlos joined hands for UP to bring the Diliman side back, while errors by Navy allowed UP to tie the score at 23 apiece.

A crosscourt kill by Tiamzon followed by a powerful spike from Buitre gave the Lady Maroons the second set, 25-23.

UP then scored a 15-10 edge in the third frame, taking advantage of the miscues of Navy while letting Tiamzon and Buitre takeover on offense.

Hezzymie Acuna and Pau Soriano however brought the Lady Sailors back and tied the count at 22-all before blocks by Bersola and Sheena Chopitea allowed UP to escape.

It was a back-and-forth tussle in the fourth frame with Navy going ahead first at 13-8. The Lady Maroons’ defense again went to work, with Bersola’s block tying the count at 15 while Buitre giving UP a 16-15 edge.

Soriano and Norie Jane Diaz then answered with spikes from the middle to hand a 19-18 cushion to Navy.

But back to back aces by Cailing and an attack by Tiamzon making it 22-19. Carissa Martinez and Soriano each scored to knot the score one final time at 22 all before three straight by Molde including a block sealed the win for UP.

Acuna led the Lady Sailors with 15 markers while Soriano and Lilet Mabbayad added 13 points apiece. Navy committed 32 errors all match long.

Scores:

UP (3) – Molde 17, Tiamzon 14, Buitre 10, Bersola 8, Chopitea 7, Carlos 5, Dorog 3, Cailing 2.

Navy (1) – Acuna 15, Soriano 13, Mabbayad 13, Diaz 8, Genido 7, Martinez 3, Serafica 1, Dela Cruz 1, Veronas 1.

Set scores: 19-25, 25-23, 25-23, 25-23.