University of the Philippines captured the first semifinals berth of the 2022 V-League Collegiate Challenge women’s division in a thrilling four-set conquest of Far Eastern University, 20-25, 25-19, 25-22, 25-17, Friday evening at the Paco Arena Sports and Events Center.
The win sees the Fighting Maroons in its second postseason in three seasons of the PVL/V-League collegiate tournament – or since their 2018 PVL Collegiate Conference title against the Lady Tamaraws.
Steph Bustrillo fired off a down-the-line kill to put UP in match point, but Jewel Encarnacion could not finish in the next possession. FEU’s Miltzi Paningin then served the ball too strongly, conceding the win and the semis berth to the Fighting Maroons.
“Pinush ko talaga na ako mag-coach for today para mas ma-control namin yung system na pinapa-adopt namin sa kanila. Kasi every game, every practice, sinasabihan namin sila ng dapat gawin. Good thing naman, sumunod naman yung mga players namin,” UP head coach Shaq Delos Santos said of the win.
UP’s block system did its job, with sophomore Ethan Arce scoring four of her nine points at the net while adding three spikes and two service aces. Stephanie Bustrillo led the Maroons with 16 points on 13 attacks to go with her six excellent digs.
The Lady Tamaraws saw Barbie Jamili lead with 11 points off the bench, 10 coming from attacks, and one block. Juliane Monares added 10 markers and 11 excellent receptions.
