The University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons managed to thwart UE’s attempt at bagging its first win in the continuing Men’s Volleyball games with a thrilling 25-27, 25-21, 25-23, 19-25, 15-5 match held at the San Juan Arena.
It was a back-and-forth affair between the two competing schools as they made it an intense and close encounter throughout sets one to four. UE escaped a tight opening frame with a two-point win after being down by as much as five in the said set.
The Diliman-based crew countered during the second as they established an early set lead en route to making the match even. Gathering momentum, they closed out UE in another contested third set as their net defense came on display late.
In the fourth set, it was the Red Warriors’ turn to showcase a rally anchored by their floor defense as they managed to extend the match to a deciding canto. The Warriors closed out the fourth with a 9-2 rally late to force a fifth set. Unlike the four prior sets, the last one was all in favor of the Maroons as they were able to capitalize on the chance balls and forced UE to multiple crucial errors to their advantage.
The Maroons had three more attacks compared to the Warriors, 51-48, and they also committed less errors, 34-43. On the other hand, UE scored on more blocks, 13-10, and edged UP in terms of service aces, 7-5, in a losing effort.
With this win, UP closes its first round games with a 3-4 standing and keeps its hopes for a Final Four seat alive. UE continues to struggle in the season as the Warriors are still winless through seven games. The second round schedule for both teams has yet to be announced.
The scores:
UP- Miguel 24, Raymundo 13, Abuda 9, Valbuena 7, Dela Paz 7, Cabatingan 4, San Pascual 1, Hernandez 1, Diaz 0, Acuna 0, Nicandro(L) 0
UE- Camposano 23, Gopio 10, Lelic 10, Alba 9, Adviento 9, Magdaong 3, Molina 3, Mandani 1, Inoferio 0, Almario(L) 0
