Despite being hounded by errors, University of the Philippines still managed to score a four-set victory over San Sebastian College-Recoletos, 25-23, 31-33, 25-14, 25-23, in the 2022 V-League Men’s Collegiate Challenge, Sunday at the Paco Arena.
Ranz Cajolo paced the Fighting Maroons with a game-high 20 points on 20 attacks while team captain Louis Gamban delivered an all-around effort, finishing with 18 points, 11 excellent receptions, and 11 excellent digs.
UP committed a total of 40 errors in their Pool B matchup against the Golden Stags which definitely did not sit well with head coach Rald Ricafort.
“Di nga siya maganda actually, kapag nakita niyo yung stat sheet for sure makikita niyo yung dami ng service errors, yung dami ng mga unforced errors so yun naman yung inexplain ko sa kanila,” rued Ricafort.
“Hindi dahilan na first game kasi yung mga execution ginagawa naman namin sa training e. Walang excuse, hindi lang sa skills doon lang sa mental and emotional part medyo doon nagkukulang,” he added.
Tied at 22-all in the fourth frame, Daniel Nicolas gave the Fighting Maroons the lead with a quick hit before Gamban pushed them to match point.
Mikel Mendoza saved a point after converting a kill off a misreceive but his service sailed out moments after which handed UP the victory.
Angelo Lagando added 14 points while Nicolas had nine markers in the victory. Johnlee Juntilla collected 19 receptions and 15 digs.
On the other hand, San Sebastian, who played without head coach Roger Gorayeb, was led by Joshua Espenida with 17 points while Kyle Villamor added 14 markers and seven digs.
UP will go up against San Beda University on Friday at 1:00 PM while San Sebastian will take on Ateneo de Manila University earlier that day at 8:00 AM.
