MANILA – University of the Philippines Lady Maroons claimed a huge scalp in the UAAP Season 80 women’s volleyball after sweeping Ateneo Lady Eagles 28-26, 25-23, 26-24 at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
Diana Carlos led UP with 22 points (18 attacks, three service aces and a block) while Isa Molde chipped in 14 markers. Lady Maroons improved to 5-8.
The Saturday night victory gave Lady Maroons a long shot at barging into the semifinals provided that National University Lady Bulldogs (6-6) and Adamson University Lady Falcons (5-7) will keep losing matches.
“As I’ve been saying before we took a break, we just want to finish strong,” said Lady Maroons head coach Godfrey Okumu. “We’ve been working hard and continuously developing. Whatever happens, we just really wanted to finish this strong.”
Lady Eagles was up 26-25 in the opening set when it committed an attack error, causing a 26-all count. Molde gave Lady Maroons the lead with a smash over two defenders before Lady Eagles’ Jhoanna Maraguinot erred in her attack.
In the second set, Lady Eagles was ahead 23-21 but unable to hang on as Lady Maroons came up with 4 straight points, with 3 from Carlos, to steal the set.
In the third set, Lady Maroons was behind 19-23 when Carlos came up with consecutive points to tie the count 23-all. She then punctuated her impressive showing with an attack off two Lady Eagles blockers.
Meanwhile Far Eastern University Lady Tamaraws outlasted Lady Falcons 25-22, 25-27, 14-25, 25-22, 15-11 to secure the third Final Four berth. Negrense Bernadeth Pons had 22 points, 23 digs and 24 excellent receptions for FEU./PN
