MANILA – University of the Philippines Lady Maroons tarnished De La Salle University Lady Spikers’ erstwhile unbeaten slate with a 21-25, 25-20, 25-21, 20-25, 15-12 win in the UAAP Season 81 women’s volleyball on Saturday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Maria Lina Molde led the way with 21 points, on 17 attacks, two service aces and a block for the Lady Maroons, which tied the Lady Archers and Ateneo Lady Eagles on top with 3-1 win-loss slate.
Diana Carlos chipped in triple-double of 19 points, 17 digs, and 18 excellent receptions, while Bacolodnon Ma. Arielle Estranero had 38 excellent sets for the streaking Lady Maroons.
After splitting the first four sets, the Lady Maroons surged to a 4-1 start in the fifth frame behind back-to-back hits by Aie Gannaban. The Lady Spikers were quick to respond to force a deadlock.
Consecutive hits from Molde, followed by a service ace by Bacolodnon Jessma Ramos pulled the Lady Maroons on top, 11-8, but the Lady Spikers had its last push for a 12-all count.
Carlos then pushed the Lady Maroons on top with a clutch smash, while Lady Spikers’ May Luna committed an attack error for a 14-12 UP lead. Justine Dorog put the finishing touches for the Lady Maroons with an off-speed kill.
“It was a game of minds and courage and aggressiveness and at the end of it, I believe we are more aggressive than our opponents that’s why we were able to win,” said Lady Maroons head coach Godfrey Okumu.
Rookie Jolina Dela Cruz finished with 19 points, on 14 spikes, four blocks and an ace including 11 excellent receptions, while Ilongga Aduke Ogunsanya had 13 hits for the Lady Spikers./PN
