The University of the Philippines Lady Maroons momentarily stopped their fall down the standings with a four-set triumph over the University of the East Lady Warriors, 25-14, 18-25, 25-15, 25-10 at the FilOil Flying V Centre.
The Lady Maroons started the season by winning four straight matches, before slipping to an alarming skid that had them lose to the Far Eastern University, National University, and twice to the Ateneo de Manila University.
UP got reprieve with a win against the perennial stragglers UE. The Lady Warriors struggled to pass UP’s serves, resulting in 14 Lady Maroon aces.
Like in their past matches, UE kept the early goings of each set close, but faltered midway through. After taking the second frame, UE kept pace and tied the next two frames at 8. From then, UP used matching 9-0 runs to take a 17-8 lead in both sets and put the match out of doubt.
“Siguro, na-minimize lang yung errors, minimize hindi ganoon karami sa receive. Kumpyansa na rin ng mga bata. Kailangan ma-maximize nila ‘yung ganitong opportunity,” said UP assistant coach Rald Ricafort.
“Mentally, siguro we’re getting there. Wala talagang ibang basehan kundi sa games. Hangga’t hindi sila nakakalaro during mismong laro, malaking bagay na panalo kami.”
After playing sparingly during the losing streak, Kathy Bersola powered in 18 points off 15 attacks, two blocks, and an ace. Isa Molde added 16.
UP (5-4) next face defending champs De La Salle University Lady Spikers (7-2) on Sunday at the FilOil Flying V Centre.
UE skipper Shaya Adorador finished with 12 points, while National Team neophyte Roselle Baliton managed eight points and 25 excellent sets.
UE (1-8) also plays on Sunday against the National University Lady Bulldogs (5-4).
The Scores
UP (3) – Carlos 21, Bersola 18, Molde 16, Buitre 3, Estrañero 3, Gannaban 3, Layug 1, Sandoval 1, Dorog (L)
UE (1) – Adorador 12, Baliton 8, Alvayde 5, Gabrada 5, Mendrez 4, Dacaymat 3, Abil 1, Arado (L)
