Games Saturday
(The Arena, San Juan City)
8 a.m. – UP vs UE (men’s)
10 a.m. – UST vs Ateneo (men’s)
2 p.m. – UST vs Adamson (women’s)
4 p.m. – FEU vs Ateneo (women’s)
University of the Philippines finally ended its four-game losing spell at the expense of University of the East, 25-14, 18-25, 25-15, 25-10, yesterday in the UAAP women’s volleyball tournament at The Arena in San Juan City.
The Lady Maroons banked on their strong service to topple the persistent Lady Warriors and rose from a second-set stumble to jump to a share of the middle standings.
The victory hiked UP’s win-loss tally to 5-4, tying with Far Eastern University (FEU) and National University (NU).
UP assistant coach Rald Ricafor said their players are starting to regain their confidence after losing steam in the last four matches, particularly the two defeats at the hands of powerhouse Ateneo.
Their other two losses came at the hands of NU and FEU late in the first round.
“Mahirap din kasi yung mga talo namin, so mentally, lumalakas na ulit sila,” said Ricafor. “Slow start lang kami nung second set; hindi na namin nahabol.”
Diana Carlos spearheaded the Lady Maroons with 21 points built on 15 attacks, four aces, and two blocks, even as Kathy Bersola fired 18 points highlighted by 15 kills.
Reigning Rookie of the Year awardee Isa Molde was also back in her old fiery form by posting 16 points including four aces.
UP fueled its performance with 14 aces against UE’s seven, and dominated the attack line, 49-24.
Setter Arielle Estranero also stepped up for the Lady Maroons with 42 excellent sets compared to UE setter Roselle Baliton, who only managed 25.
UE dropped to 1-8 near the cellar with only Shaya Adorador managing in doubles figures with 12 points.
In men’s action, National University (NU) cruised to a 25-21, 25-12, 25-19 win over Adamson, to join reigning two-time champion Ateneo in the Final Four.
The Bulldogs improved to 8-1, while the Falcons dropped to 2-7.
University of Santo Tomas (4-5), meanwhile, bested UE (1-8), 25-21, 22-25, 25-21, 25-18.
