THANKS to a more balanced attack against gritty University of Santo Tomas, University of the Philippines rolled to its best start in five years yesterday.
The Fighting Maroons downed the Golden Tigresses 25-21, 23-25, 25-21, 25-22 for their third straight win in the 84th UAAP women’s volleyball tournament at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay.
Skipper Jhewel Encarnacion shone for UP with 16 points built on 13 attacks, two aces, and a block, while Alyssa Bertolano added 15 markers off 10 attacks, three blocks, and two aces.
Lorie Bernardo, Niña Ytang, and Jaila Atienza also had nine points for the Maroons, who scored a big follow-up to their 25-12, 25-22, 24-26, 27-29, 15-11 decision over Far Eastern University four days ago and hiked their record to 3-0 for the first time since 2017.
UST, coming off a 25-16, 25-22, 25-20 triumph over University of the East last Saturday, absorbed its first loss in three outings.
In the first match, FEU nipped UE 19-25, 25-15, 25-20, 17-25, 15-10 for its first win.
Chen Tagaod led the Lady Tamaraws with 20 points, while Jean Asis had 13 markers.
Kary Truz and Lycha Ebon also combined for 23 as FEU improved to 1-2. The Lady Warriors fell to 0-3.
“The credit goes to the players; they played their hearts out. We had a plan and our plan worked which I cannot share with you at this moment. It was not an easy game. UST is a very, very strong team, they are very experienced, and they have a good coaching staff who would know how to read a game,” UP coach Godfrey Okumu said.
“So, it’s a win, yes, but it wasn’t easy for us. We really worked hard for this, and I hope the girls will continue fighting the same way,” he added.
Eya Laure was the lone bright spot for the Tigresses with 28 points.
“Nakita naman namin iyong mga bata na gusto nilang manalo pero sabi ko sa kanila, hindi madali kasi nasa transition period kami. Nandiyan, sabi ko magtulungan na lang sa loob ng court,” Lady Tams strategist George Pascua said. “At the end of the day, kapag nag tutulungan may possibility na manalo.”
Janeca Lana paced UE with 20 points, while Dara Nieva contributed 19.
