The University of the Philippines Lady Maroons clinched their first win over the Far Eastern University Lady Tamaraws since UAAP Season 76, claiming a four-setter 25-18, 25-21, 32-34, 25-21 to tie up the bronze medal series of the Shakey’s V-League Collegiate Conference at the PhilsSports Arena in Pasig City.
With star hitter Bernadeth Pons playing libero due to an ankle injury, FEU’s offense was placed out of balance and needed to rely on transferee Celine Domingo in the other open hitter spot. The lack of offensive push was evident in the long rallies throughout the match which UP claimed easily.
The Lady Maroons built early leads in the first and second set to take the lead. UP had the match in hand in the third with a 24-21 advantage but blew the next three points off poor reception. UP then figured in a long deuce in which they had the advantage most of the time but the Lady Tamaraws inched by in the last three points thanks to clutch hits from Toni Basas and Celine Domingo.
The fourth set was close until UP took the match via a 3-0 run that gave them a 23-20 lead. Isa Molde then delivered the Lady Maroons’ last two points.
“It was good that we finally won especially kasi matagal na nga kaming hindi nananalo sa FEU. Sabi nila na kaya kami natatalo sa FEU kasi mas composed sila sa amin. It’s good na narating din namin ‘yung level na ‘to ngayon,” said UP skipper Kathy Bersola.
UP open hitters Isa Molde and Nicole Tiamzon each provided 24 points while middle hitter Diana Carlos added 12.
If the championship series between NU and Ateneo were to end today, UP would take third place due to their quotient advantage.
FEU opposite hitter Toni Basas led the charge with 19 points while middle blocker Jerilli Malabanan had 15.
If ever there’s a Game Three, it will be played on Saturday, 4 pm at the PhilSports Arena.
The Scores
UP (3) – Molde 24, Tiamzon 24, Carlos 12, Buitre 7, Cailing 5, Bersola 3, Basarte 0, Dorog 0, Estrañero (L), Gaiser (L)
FEU (1) – Basas 19, Malabanan 15, Domingo 11, Palma 11, Guino-O 6, Hernandez 2, Villareal 2, Cayuna 1, Pons (L), Duremdes (L)
