UNIVERSITY of the Philippines (UP) started its campaign with an impressive 25-20, 25-17, 25-20 win over first-timer San Beda College in the opening day of Shakey’s V-League Season 13 Collegiate Conference on Saturday at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.
Last season’s University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Rookie of the Year Isa Molde led the Lady Maroons with 13 kills to finish with 15 points, including six excellent receptions, to help UP win its first game in Group B.
Lady Maroons Captain Kathy Bersola chipped nine points, while Nicole Tiamzon and Justine Dorog added eight points apiece. Setter Mae Basarte fed the team with 39 excellent sets, although UP Head Coach Jerry Yee was far from satisfied with their performance.
“Nandito ‘yung makakalaro namin sa UAAP, so we better perform para makita namin kung anong mayroon kami,” Yee said. “Sloppy ‘yung execution namin, so we have to improve and practice.”
“I’m still looking for maturity. Wala naman dapat pinipiling kalaban dapat execute ng tama. Hindi pa ito ‘yung gusto ko sana,” he added.
UP will take a weeklong hiatus before facing National Collegiate Athletic Association champion College of Saint Benilde on August 8.
Lady Red Spiker Francesca Racraquin had an all-around game for San Beda with six points on 12 attacks, two blocks and two service aces including 10 digs, while Nieza Viray and Wenneth Eulalio, a guest player from Far Eastern University, added nine and eight points, respectively. “Very smooth ang kanilang entry. Maganda naman ‘yung kilos nila, so congrats pa rin,” Yee said on San Beda’s debut.