MANILA – University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons cruised to a 25-18, 25-19, 25-17 sweep of San Beda University Lady Red Spikers at the start of the V-League Collegiate Challenge on Wednesday night at the Paco Arena in Manila.
Stephanie Bustrillo was hailed as Player of the Game with 11 points, including 10 attacks and a service ace.
With the win, the Fighting Maroons tied reigning NCAA champs College of St. Benilde Lady Blazers atop Pool B with 1-0 slate.
Nina Ytang, Jewel Encarnacion and Ethan Arce had seven, six and five markers, respectively, while Bacolodnon Joan Marie Monares and Ma. Dannica Celis had four each for UP.
After losing the first two sets, the Lady Red Spikers kept the match close early in the third frame but the Fighting Maroons uncorked a 9-3 run to break free at 17-8 before widening it further to 21-12.
San Beda, however, made its last stand with four straight points to cut the deficit to 16-21 but Abi Goc starred in a decisive 3-0 spurt to seal the straight-set triumph for the Fighting Maroons.
Angel Habacon paced the Lady Red Spikers with nine points with six excellent digs, Katleya Molina added seven hits, while Negrense Jaschryl Casugod managed one point in two sets of play.
Meanwhile, Adamson University Lady Falcons pulled off a tough 25-21, 24-26, 25-19, 23-25, 15-9 victory over Far Eastern University Lady Tamaraws to tie Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eagles on top of Pool A with 1-0 slate.
After splitting the first four sets, the Lady Falcons opened the deciding frame with an 8-1 score before the Lady Tamaraws pulled to within 7-10 behind the scoring of Bacolodnon Julianne Monares.
Sheena Toring and Kate Santiago then drilled in two quick points off a crosscourt hit and a block, respectively, to give Adamson a 12-8 cushion before they added an attack each to clinch the win.
Trisha Tubu exploded for 24 points, including 19 on attacks, Santiago backed her up with 15 hits for an 18-point output, while Lucille Almonte and Toring ended up with 10 each for the Lady Falcons./PN
