UNIVERSITY of the Philippines (UP) walloped San Sebastian College, 25-17, 23-25, 25-5, 25-18, to earn the third semifinals berth in Shakey’s V-League Season 13 Collegiate Conference on Wednesday at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City.
The vastly improved Lady Maroons proved that they have more depth in their roster and the more compose team as they rose to a quarterfinals match that matters most against a Lady Stags, who also vaunted team chemistry in their previous games.
Skipper Katherine Adrielle Bersola propelled UP with an all-around game unleashing 10 attacks, eight blocks and a pair of service aces for 20 points. Nicole Tiamzon chipped in 13 hits on 11 kills and two aces, while Diana Carlos and Marian Buitre chipped in 11 and 10 markers, respectively.
Isa Molde, UAAP’s rookie of the year, struggled in the game with just eight hits but took care of the floor with 13 digs and four receives. Backup playmaker Rose Cailing also stepped up dishing out 31 excellent sets as starter Mae Basarte struggled in the game.
UP finished the round with a 3-2 win-loss card and joined National University (NU) and Far Eastern University (FEU) in the semifinals.
“I’m very happy ngayon dahil ngayon pa na crucial at dagdag pressure pa sa kanila, although nakita na may mga errors pa tayo na halatang pressured, pero, at least, nanalo naman,” UP Head Coach Jerry Yee said. “Bago ‘yung combination namin kanina, so we’re glad na ganoon, kasi mahirap na mag-stick lang kami sa isang core buti nag-step up lahat.”
Yee’s wards struggled in the second set, as the Lady Stags showed more grit and mostly led the whole set. UP would trim the deficit within one, but San Sebastian had the more killer instinct to level the game at one set apiece.
But the Lady Maroons responded right away, waxing hot in the third set, building a formidable 18-3 margin and bringing enough moment heading into the fourth to end the match in 96 minutes.
San Sebastian, which was led by Grethcel Soltones and Denice Lim with 15 points apiece, lost their semis chances on their hands and will depend on the result of the match between Ateneo de Manila and FEU scheduled late Wednesday night.
If FEU wins over Ateneo, the Lady Stags will have another day to live facing the Lady Eagles in a no-tomorrow playoff on Saturday for the last semis spot. But if the Ateneo wins, San Sebastian’s conference is over.
Image credits: Nonoy Lacza