The University of the Philippines Lady Maroons solidified their hold on the third seed heading into the Holy Week break with a straight-set win over the University of the East Lady Warriors 25-23, 25-22, 25-14 in the UAAP Women’s Volleyball Tournament at the PhilSports Arena.
Mainly utilizing their young players, UP managed to shake off a livelier-than-usual UE effort in the first two sets. The Lady Warriors, however, surrendered their own two-point lead down the stretch through errors. The rout began in the third set with the deflated Lady Warriors unable to muster the same energy they had in previous sets.
“There were improvements that we were looking for from the team that, as of now, hindi pa nadedeliver. Patience pa talaga ang kailangan especially with that very bad start we had. Luckily we have the Holy Week to practice and recover,” said UP hear coach Jerry Yee.
Isa Molde and Marian Buitre each pitched in 12 points for UP Justine Dorog and Diana Carlos each managed six points.
Shaya Adorador topped all scorers with 13 points while Mary Anne Mendrez contributed eight markers.
UP secured at least a playoff for a Final Four spot with a 7-4 record. If they win another match, UP makes the Final Four for the first time since 2003. UE slumped to a 0-11 record and their 56th straight loss.
The Lady Maroons take the court again on March 30 at the FilOil Flying V Centre against the struggling National U Lady Bulldogs (5-6). UE faces the De La Salle Lady Spikers (8-2) on April 2 at the SM MoA Arena.
The Scores
UP (3) – Buitre 12, Molde 12, Carlos 6, Dorog 6, Chopitea 5, Lai 2, Tiamzon 1, Bersola 0, Layug 0, Basarte 0, Gaiser (L), Estrañero (L)
UE (0) – Adorador 13, Mendrez 8, Abil 6, Baliton 5, Domingo 3, Alcayde 2, Bendong 1, Gabrada 1, Dacaymat 0, Arado (L)
