After absorbing a three-game losing streak, the University of the Philippines Lady Maroons pounced on the struggling National University Lady Bulldogs, 25-18, 25-22, 25-20, at the FilOil Flying V Centre.
The Lady Bulldogs unraveled early, succumbing to a 5-0 UP run in the first set that elevated the Lady Maroons to an insurmountable 21-17 advantage. UP repeated their comeback in the second frame, erasing a 17-19 NU lead and grabbing a 21-19 cushion thanks to powerful serves from Tots Carlos. The Lady Bulldogs tried to rally back, but their own attack errors sealed their fate.
UP then blasted a deflated NU side in the final frame, taking an 8-4 advantage and never looking back.
With NU shifting ace Jaja Santiago to open hitter, UP had apparently come prepared.
“We expected it, we talked about it,” relayed UP head coach Godfrey Okumu. “We really prepared for that possibility.
“For us, it’s really just about finishing the season strong. Regardless of what happens, we need to finish strong,” added the Kenyan tactician..
Tots Carlos topped the Lady Maroons with 18 points, while Isa Molde added 10.
Santiago was the only Lady Bulldogs in double-digits with 19 markers.
The Lady Maroons (4-8) face the Ateneo de Manila University Lady Eagles (9-3) on Saturday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena. The Lady Bulldogs (6-6) take on the University of the East Lady Warriors (2-9) on Sunday at the FilOil Flying V Centre.
The Scores
UP (3) – Carlos 18, Molde 10, Cailing 6, Estrañero 6, Layug 5, Ramos 5, Lim 1, Dorog (L), Thai (L)
NU (0) – Santiago 19, Nabor 5, Doria 4, Singh 3, Doromal 2, Paran 2, Sato 0, Urdas 0, Valdez (L)
