MANILA – University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons overcame an erratic game to score a 22-25, 25-18, 25-19, 25-20 victory over University of the East Lady Red Warriors in the UAAP Season 85 women’s volleyball at the SM Mall of Asia Arena on Sunday.
Nina Ytang anchored the offense with 20 points, on 12 attacks, seven blocks, and a service ace as the Fighting Maroons tied Far Eastern University Lady Tamaraws and Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eagles with 1-2 record.
Stephanie Bustrillo added 16 points while Negrense Alyssa Bertolano had an all-around outing of 10 points, 11 excellent receptions, and six digs for UP, which scored the victory despite committing 16 errors in the contest.
“Very thankful kasi unang panalo ng team and siguro ang dami pa ring naming mga kulang pero kailangan naming ma-appreciate kung gaano ka-okay yung ginalaw namin,” said Fighting Maroons head coach Ceseal delos Santos.
Ytang stepped up for the Fighting Maroons in the fourth set as she dominated above the net and fired six points their pivotal 9-1 scoring rally that gave them a comfortable 20-12 cushion.
The Lady Red Warriors closed the eight-point gap to within four, 19-23, after three consecutive errors from the side of UP before Dara Nieva committed an attack error that placed the Fighting Maroons at match point.
KC Cepada tried to keep the Lady Red Warriors afloat with a cross-court attack but Bertolano answered back with a cross-court hit of his own to help the Fighting Maroons log its first win.
Ja Lana finished with 14 points on 14 attacks to go along with 10 excellent digs while Vanessa Bangayan had 13 points for the Lady Red Warriors, who fell to 0-3 in the standings.
Meanwhile, University of Santo Tomas Golden Tigresses (2-1) handed National University Lady Bulldogs (2-1) its first defeat in three UAAP seasons with a 25-23, 27-25, 17-25, 22-25, 15-11 win. Ejiya Laure and Regina Jurado led UST with 18 markers each.
De La Salle University Lady Spikers stayed perfect at 3-0 after a 25-16, 25-20, 25-12 sweep of rival Blue Eagles, while Adamson University Lady Falcons (2-1) prevailed over the Lady Tamaraws, 25-21, 24-26, 25-14, 25-21./PN
