The University of the Philippines Lady Maroons continue their resurgence, wiggling past the Adamson University Lady Falcons, 25-18, 14-25, 25-19, 21-25, 16-14, at the FilOil Flying V Centre.
After trading sets to open the match, the Lady Falcons eked out a late run to vanquish UP in the fourth set and force a decider. The Lady Maroons then almost fell apart, letting a 12-10 lead slip and allowing Adamson to take a 14-13 lead.
UP, however, scrapped out the next few points off transition, going to captain Tots Carlos on consecutive plays to take the lead. The Lady Maroons then clinched the game-winning point from the unlikeliest of sources, as Ayel Estrañero rolled a shot past two blockers.
“Our defense and our blocking definitely improved today. There were a lot of points that we won off just pure hustle. The girls worked really hard today and in training. Hopefully, we can keep this type of play going,” said UP head coach Godfrey Okumu.
Carlos gathered a game-high 22 points, while her batchmate Isa Molde added 18 markers.
Jema Galanza topped the Lady Falcons with 19, points while Chiara Permentilla managed 17.
The Lady Maroons (3-5) take on defending champions De La Salle University Lady Spikers (5-2) on Wednesday at the FilOil Flying V Centre. The Lady Falcons (3-5) face the University of the East Lady Warriors (2-6) on March 18, also at the FilOil Flying V Centre.
The Scores
UP (3) – Carlos 22, Molde 18, Buitre 12, Estrañero 7, Layug 4, Cailing 3, Lim 3, Basarte 0, Liclican 0, Rosier 0, Dorog (L), Thai (L)
AdU (2) – Galanza 19, Permentilla 18, Paat 14, Dacoron 7, Emnas 7, Soyud 6, Perez 2, Flora 0, Uy 0, Tempiatura (L)
