The University of the Philippines Lady Maroons participated in the Shakeys V-League Reinforced Conference so their rookies could gain experience and exposure for the upcoming UAAP Women’s Volleyball season.
They got more than they expected, as they took home the bronze after defeating the Philippine Navy Lady Sailors 25-20, 24-26, 25-23, 25-15 at the FilOil Flying V Arena, Sunday afternoon.
In the opening set, with the Lady Maroons leading 18-16, Isa Molde and Justine Dorog maintained the squad’s momentum. With the score at 22-20, Dorog scored two straight points to give UP a 24-20 lead. Nicole Tiamzon unloaded a backrow attack to take the first set.
Both teams played back and forth in the earlier part of the second set, but the timely attacks of Carissa Martinez and Therese Veronas gave the Lady Sailors a 16-13 lead. Lilet Mabbayad took over in the latter part of the set, helping her team earn a 24-22 advantage. Molde and Carlos scored to tie the score at 24, but Mabbayad and Pau Soriano provided key points to tie the match at one set apiece.
Both teams again figured in several ties in the latter part of the third set. Tied at 19, Soriano scored two straight points for a 21-19 lead for Navy, but Tiamzon countered with a quick hit and Mabbayad committed an attack error for a 22-all deadlock. Kathy Bersola and Dorog rescued the Lady Maroons and kept the Lady Sailors at bay. Come the fourth set, the Lady Maroons never gave Navy a chance as they overwhelmed the Lady Sailors with their attacks and blocking at the net.
“It’s a good game for the girls. It’s a good pick up for us. Everybody is happy, especially since we got it for the UP Community,” said Lady Maroons Head Coach Jerry Yee after finishing third this conference.
Dorog and Bersola towed the Lady Maroons with 17 points apiece. Molde came through with 16 points together with 10 digs, and Tiamzon contributed with 12 points. Jewel Lai tossed 41 excellent sets to orchestrate the Lady Maroons offense.
Former Adamson Lady Falcon Soriano had 15 points to lead the Lady Sailors, while Mabbayad chipped 13 markers and Janet Serafica tossed 31 excellent sets.
The Scores:
UP (3) – Bersola 17, Dorog 17, Molde 16,Tiamzon 13, Buitre 12, Carlos 8, Lai 1, Basarte 0, Gaiser (L)
PHI Navy (1) – Soriano 15, Mabbayad 13, Martinez 8, Acuna 8, Diaz 5, Veronas 3, Serafica 3, Madulid 1, Dela Cruz 0, Desengano 0, Fortuno (L), Ticar (L)
