With vengeance in their minds, the University of the East Lady Warriors clinched their second win of the UAAP Season 81 Women’s Volleyball tournament, dropping the National University Lady Bulldogs, 25-16, 25-18, 24-26, 25-16, at the FilOil Flying V Centre.
The Lady Warriors used impeccable passing and took advantage of the Lady Bulldogs’ dazed offensive effort to easily build eight-point leads in the first and second set.
NU arrested their slow start in the third frame, momentarily out-hustling UE for an 8-7 advantage. The Lady Warriors, however, controlled the match’s dragging pace. They then frustrated NU in long rallies, and eventually gained a 21-14 cushion. Sitting at match point, 24-18, UE collapsed and allowed NU to go on a shocking 8-0 run to extend the match.
Another string of NU errors led to a 15-11 UE lead in the fourth set. The Lady Bulldogs tried to come back, but more of their own giveaways propelled UE to a 23-16 lead.
First-year UE head coach Karl Dimaculangan admitted that the Lady Warriors were motivated to better their standings for their graduating seniors.
“Kailangang-kailangan namin yung panalo talaga, kasi sayang naman, lalo na for the graduating players. Six or seven kasi sila na graduating,” said Dimaculangan.
“Ang ano lang namin is kung hindi man kami aabot sa Final 4, ilaban lang sana namin yung rank namin na hindi na kami laging number eight,” he added.
Mary Ann Mendrez topped all scorers with 19 points. Judith Abil and Seth Rodriguez contributed 13 and 12 points, respectively.
Princess Robles managed 13 points, but needed 52 attack attempts to get there. Ivy Lacsina added 12 markers, while Rose Doria provided 11.
Both teams sit at 2-6 records.
The Scores
UE (3) – Mendrez 19, Abil 13, Rodriguez 12, Bendong 7, Baliton 3, Olarve 3, Gabarda 2, Calavano 1, Alcayde 0, Babol 0, Manabat 0, Arado (L)
NU (1) – Robles 13, Lacsina 12, Doria 11, Paran 9, Luceño 6, Chavez 2, Landicho 0, Orillaneda 0, Nierva (L)
