MANILA – University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons stayed perfect in the 2022 V-League Women’s Collegiate by crushing the University of Santo Tomas Golden Tigresses, 28-26, 22-25, 25-21, 27-25, on Wednesday night at Paco Arena.
Bacolodnon Joan Marie Monares was hailed the Player of the Game. She had 15 points built on 14 attacks while finishing with 12 excellent digs.
With its win, the Fighting Maroons tied College of St. Benilde Lady Blazers on top of Pool B with 2-0 slate.
Team captain Jewel Encarnacion contributed 12 points, including the game-winning attack, on top of 17 excellent receptions to complete her double-double for the Fighting Maroons.
“Proud ako sa mga bata kasi nag-adjust kami doon sa isang set na natalo kami. Bumalik kami sa service naming may target and doon sa blockings at floor defense namin,” said Fighting Maroons assistant coach Kirk Beliran.
With the Fighting Maroons a point away from securing the victory at 24-23, the Golden Tigresses made its last push behind Athena Abbu and Pierre Abellana to eventually put UST at match point at 25-24.
The Golden Tigresses, however, committed consecutive errors behind Abellana and Bacolodnon Cassie Carballo as the Fighting Maroons snagged the match point at 26-25 before Encarnacion ended the game with an off the block hit.
“Everytime na nagkaka-error kami, palagi kaming nado-down, so we have to find our momentum again. We have to restart, and at the same time, kailangan naming mag enjoy at mag usap (on the court),” Monares said.
Abellana spearheaded the offense with 15 points, while Imee Hernandez and Jonah Perdido each had 10 markers as the Golden Tigresses suffered its second loss in as many games.
Meanwhile, Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eagles leaned on the exploits of Faith Nisperos to score a 25-20, 21-25, 25-21, 25-19 triumph over Far Eastern University Lady Tamaraws for a 2-0 start.
Nisperos unloaded 24 points on 22 attacks and two aces, Vannesa Gandler had double-double 13 points and 13 excellent receptions, while Ilongga Roma Doromal gathered 22 excellent receptions and 20 excellent sets for Ateneo./PN
