UNIVERSITY of the Philippines (UP) knocked out National University (NU), 25-22, 25-27, 25-13, 25-22, to keep its semifinals bid alive in the Shakey’s V-League Season 13 Open Conference on Saturday at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City.
With their backs against the wall, the Lady Maroons came through when it mattered most, as they forced a tie with Laoag for the fourth spot with identical 3-3 win-loss cards and will play a do-or-die knockout match on the final day of eliminations on Monday.
Diana Carlos led UP with a game-high 22 points on 14 spikes, six blocks and two service aces. Isa Molde added16 hits, while Justine Dorog and skipper Kathy Bersola had 14 markers apiece for the Lady Maroons.
Playmaker Mae Basarte guided UP with 41 excellent sets.
“Kapit lang ng kapit, laro lang ng laro hangga’t may chance sige lang ng sige,” UP Head Coach Jerry Yee said.
“We took this game against NU and then if we play good on our game against Laoag, at least some how we’re living up in our top 4 billing last UAAP [University Athletic Association of the Phlippines] season.”
UP and NU split the first two sets before the Lady Maroons sizzled in the third set and erected a 22-12 margin en route to a 25-13 advantage.
The Lady Maroons were in full control in the fourth, 19-13, before the Lady Bulldogs closed the gap to 20-24, but UP clinched the match point in the next possession.
NU fell to 3-4 and was led by Jaja Santiago’s 19 points.
Meanwhile, Bounty Fresh notched its first win in Spikers’ Turf with a thrilling 20-25, 25-14, 17-25, 25-22, 19-17 decision over Philippine Navy.
The Soaring Griffins ended their four-game losing skid with an amazing come-from-behind win and kept the Sailors winless in their campaign.
Philip Michael Bagalay led the charge for Bounty Fresh with 20 hits, highlighted 19 attacks. Romnick Rico delivered 10 spikes and three blocks for 13 points, while playmaker Geuel Asia fed them with 33 excellent sets.
“Sabi ko sa kanila last game na namin ‘to kaya ibigay na nila lahat, dapat all out na kami at i-redeem na namin ‘yung sarili namin, since ‘yung mga previous games namin lahat five sets,” Assistant Coach JP de Guzman said.
“So, sabi ko sa kanila nangyari na ‘to and we have to learn and sa game na ‘to siguro natuto na kami sa previous errors namin n’ung previous games namin.”