One of the more intact teams from last season, the University of the Philippines Lady Maroons dominated their UAAP Season 79 debut, dumping the new-look Adamson University Lady Falcons 25-18, 25-11, 25-18 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
With just two of their starting six players from last year making it to this season’s lineup, the Lady Falcons looked overwhelmed for much of the match. It did not help that the Lady Maroons sported a clear size and power advantage.
UP ended up building double-digit leads quickly and and putting the final result out of doubt early. The Lady Maroons rained 15 aces on the Falcons who surrendered 26 errors.
“Needs improvement, hindi magandang test eh kasi bago ang kalaban,” UP head coach Jerry Yee frankly said when he addressed reporters. “May mga miscues pa rin tayo at saka yung mga usual mistakes natin nandyan pa rin. Dominant? Probably not because of us. Happy of course. A win is a win. Straight sets masaya tayo.”
The Lady Maroons were without starting libero Pia Gaiser who was experiencing lower back pain. Yee assured that she will be back soon.
Diana Carlos and Kathy Bersola paced the Lady Maroons with 11 points apiece while reigning Rookie of the Year Isa Molde provided 10.
UP (1-0) takes on the UE Lady Warriors (0-1) on Saturday at the FilOil Flying V Centre.
Second year opposite hitter Bern Flora led the Lady Falcons with nine points while team captain Jema Galanza had six.
The Lady Falcons (0-1) take on the NU Lady Bulldogs (1-0) also on Saturday.
The Scores
UP (3) – Bersola 11, Carlos 11, Molde 10, Tiamzon 9, Buitre 5, Estrañero 4, Dorog (L)
AdU (0) – Flora 9, Galanza 6, Dacoron 4, Wanta 4, Uy 3, Joaquin 2, Caole 1, Dahab 0, Ponce (L), Tempiatura (L)
