The University of the Philippines Lady Maroons secured a spot in the 2016 Shakey’s V-League Collegiate Conference semifinals after quelling the San Sebastian College-Recoletos Lady Stags 25-17, 23-25, 25-5, 25-18 at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City.
The Lady Maroons had control of the entire match except the second frame where they let San Sebastian slip ahead, 22-17. Off Kathy Bersola’s serving, the UP inched to within one, 21-22, but the Lady Stags managerial trade sideouts, ending the set with a Grethcel Soltones tip.
From there, the Katipunan-based spikers clobbered the Lady Stags. The Lady Maroons limited their errors to one in the third frame and bolted to a 20-5 lead. UP again put the fourth set out of doubt quickly, grabbing an 18-11 lead through their wingers’ attacking.
“We were playing not to lose at first,” remarked UP head coach Jerry Yee. “It’s dangerous if we play like that early. Dapat hindi na kailangan malagay kami with our backs against the wall para mabuhayan.”
“Buti na lang we were able to pull through late in the set,” he added.
UP team captain Kathy Bersola led four Lady Maroons in double-digits with 20 points, Nicole Tiamzon added 13, Diana Carlos managed 11, while Marian Buitre finished with 10. UP also feasted on San Sebastian’s 34 errors.
SVL Open Conference MVP Grethcel Soltones and Denice Lim each had 15 points for the Lady Stags.
With a 3-2 record, the Lady Maroons became the third team to qualify in the semifinals, joining the National Univerity Lady Bulldogs (4-1) and FEU (3-1). San Sebastian (2-3) awaits the result of FEU’s tiff with Ateneo (2-2). If Ateneo loses, they play the Lady Stags for the last semis berth. An Ateneo win eliminates the Lady Stags.
The Scores
UP (3) РBerosla 20, Tiamzon 13, Carlos 11, Buitre 10, Molde 8, Basarte 1, Cailing 1, Estra̱ero (L), Gaiser (L)
SSC-R (1) – Lim 15, Soltones 15, Sta. Rita 10, Villegas 5, Dalisay 2, Pingoy 1, Santos 0, Cruz (L), Eroa (L)
