The Alyssa Bertolano-led University of the Philippines opened its UAAP Season 84 Women’s Volleyball Tournament campaign with a 25-19, 25-23, 25-23 sweep of University of the East, Thursday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
Bertolano finished with a game-high 20 points off 18 attacks, an ace, and a block along with six excellent digs for the Fighting Maroons.
“I just wanna say that it’s nice to be back after a long time,” said UP head coach Godfrey Okumu. “We finished the game well and we have no injuries even though we experienced a lot of fatigue, muscle cramps, and stuff like that but I’m just happy that we finished well.”
With the Lady Red Warriors closing in, Bertolano nailed back-to-back hits to push the Fighting Maroons to a 23-21 third set advantage.
Apple Lingay then converted an off-speed for UE before Jewel Encarnacion’s attack got rejected which locked the scores at 23-all.
Bertolano once again came to UP’s defense, scoring off a spike and an ace to pick up the win.
Irah Jaboneta chipped in 13 points for the Fighting Maroons — who made quick work of the Lady Red Warriors in the first set — while Jewel Encarnacion added six markers, eight excellent digs, and five excellent receptions.
On the other hand, Janine Lana delivered 16 points along with 10 excellent receptions while Lingay had 12 points and seven excellent digs.
Jenina Zeta chipped in 11 excellent digs while Jasckin Babol had eight excellent receptions.
UP will face FEU on Saturday at 4:00 PM while UE will square off against UST later that day at 6:00 PM.
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