MANILA – University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons overcame a poor start to defeat the University of Perpetual Help Lady Altas, 10-25, 25-23, 22-25, 25-15, 15-10, in the 2022 Shakey’s Super League on Sunday at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum.
Bacolodnon Alyssa Bertolano and Ethan Arce played the heroes’ role for the Fighting Maroons. They overcame a set deficit to open the campaign in the collegiate pre-season tourney on a winning note and dropping the Lady Altas to 2-1.
Trailing 1-2 in the match, Bertolano and Arce fueled the Fighting Maroons’ revolt in the fourth set to create a comfortable cushion and build momentum heading into the deciding frame.
Back-to-back aces from Bertolano gave UP a 4-1 lead to start the fifth set before the Lady Altas rallied to tie it at 7. The Fighting Maroons answered with a 6-2 counter sparked by a Bertolano hit.
Rookie Shaila Omipon stopped the bleeding for the Lady Altas with a conversion but Arce delivered the finishing blows by hammering down a quick attack followed by a game-winning ace.
Bertolano top-scored for the Fighting Maroons with 19 points, on 16 attacks and three service aces, while Arce contributed 14 markers. Ilongga Marianne Sotomil got 18 excellent sets while transferee Kamille Cal got 12 of her own.
“I told them to forget everything that happened in the first four sets, execute our game plan, and not commit the mistakes we did in the previous sets. Good thing they responded positively,” said Fighting Maroons coach Ceseal Delos Santos.
Meanwhile, University of Santo Tomas Golden Tigresses rode the momentum of its opening day conquest to cruise past San Sebastian College Lady Stags, 25-16, 25-21, 25-18.
Mary Joe Coronado delivered 12 points while Regina Jurado scored eight of her 10 markers on attacks for UST, which easily dismantled the Lady Stags for their second straight win in as many games to take the solo lead in Pool B.
Ilongga Elisha Juliene Apostol and Jonn Perdido combined for 18 points for the Tigresses, who opted to use ace hitter Ejiya Laure sparingly. Laure had two points playing just in the second set./PN
