UP blasts San Beda to stay in semis hunt

The University of the Philippines Lady Maroons remained in the running for a Premier Volleyball League Collegiate Conference semifinals spot after whipping the San Beda College Lady Red Spikers 25-16, 25-19, 25-20, at the FilOil Flying V Centre.

UP barely faced any resistance throughout the match until the third set. The Lady Red Spikers surged ahead, 8-5, in the third set and threatened to extend the match. The ladies from Katipunan, however, quickly halted their rally and jumped in front permanently, 16-14, to close the match.

“Compared doon sa previous games namin, mas lumabas kanina ‘yung mga inaayos namin sa training. Kita namin ‘yung improvement. Siyempre, meron pa ring mistakes. Then again, na-apply namin sa games ‘yung mga ginagawa namin sa training,” said UP assistant coach Kat De Lara.

Skipper Diana Carlos led the Lady Maroons with 14 points while Isa Molde added 12.

The Lady Maroons face a must-win situation on September 30. The winner between them and the AU Lady Chiefs (3-1) moves on to the semis from Group B.

Sattriani Espiritu, Cesca Racraquin, and Jiezela Viray each managed six points for the Lady Red Spikers.

With a 2-2 record, the Lady Red Spikers need teams on the top of Group B to lose matches.

The Scores

UP (3) – Carlos 14, Molde 12, Dorog 9, Layug 7, Buitre 5, Cailing 2, Ramos 2, Gannaban 1, Rosier 1, Escutin 0, Estrañero (L), Thai (L)

SBC (0) – Espiritu 6, Racraquin 6, Viray J. 6, Cuevas 5, Viray N. 5, Paras 3, Manuel 0, Buno (L)