UNIVERSITY of the Philippines (UP) extended its perfect start to four games to stay as league leaders of Season 79 of University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) women’s volleyball tournament.
UP turned down University of Santo Tomas (UST) 25-22, 25-22, 29-31, 25-19 at Sunday’s game at the FilOil Flying V Center in San Juan City.
Buoyed by the big three-set win that revealed the flaws of defending champion De La Salle, which they never beat in 16 occasions and nine UAAP seasons, the Lady Maroons continued to prove that they are legit contenders this season as they preserved their unscathed 4-0 win-loss record. That record is their best start in recent memory.
UP’s recent victims were the UST Tigresses, whom they edged in the first two sets before suffering the first set loss of the season in their fourth game, falling down in seven deuces of the third set. But the Lady Maroons never wavered, catching fire in the fourth set leading as much as 23-18.
They never looked back. UP dispatched UST after two hours in front of an ecstatic crowd that lazy Sunday afternoon.
Diana Carlos led the way for UP, finishing with 18 points highlighted by 16 spikes. Isa Molde, who nailed the game-winning service ace in the fourth set, had an all-around game with 14 points, including 20 excellent receptions and 11 digs. While Nicole Tiamzon added 13 hits, playmaker Arielle Estrañero distributed UP’s wealth on offense with 53 excellent sets.
“Maturity is key,” UP Assistant Coach Rald Ricafort said. “Without maturity we won’t be able to recover and bounce back from the third set lost.” Ricafort cited Head Coach Jerry Yee’s belief in their win over La Salle: not facing the press became a lucky charm.
“The team has really set its sights for a goal this UAAP season and we had a very good preparation before this started. We want to win as much as we can win,” Ricafort added. “We’re lucky that our winning streak continues but all we want for this season is to fulfill our goal.”
UST was led by EJ Laure’s 18-point output with Cherry Rondina and Chloe Cortez, chipping in 12 markers apiece. But the Tigresses slid to 1-3 card, reeling at the sixth place.
The Tigresses didn’t give up without a fight as they managed to put up a gallant stand, especially in the first two sets where they forced two ties 22-all in first and second set. Only the last three plays of each were deemed the culprits.
In men’s play, NU and UP solidified their hold for joint-second place after surviving the mettle of separate foes.
The Bulldogs bucked a lethargic start before trouncing La Salle in the fourth set, 27-29, 25-17, 25-21, 25-19. Fauzi Ismail, Bryan Bagunas and James Natividad carried NU, finishing with 17, 16 and 14 points, respectively.