MANILA – University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons cruised to a 25-21, 23-25, 25-21, 25-22 triumph over University of Santo Tomas Golden Tigresses in the UAAP Season 84 women’s volleyball on Tuesday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
Jewel Encarnacion took charge in the win, scoring 16 points built on 13 attacks, two aces, and a block as the Fighting Maroons scored its first 3-0 start in the UAAP women’s volley in five years.
Negrense rookie Alyssa Bertolano also continued her consistent game for the Fighting Matoons with 15 points, on 10 attacks, three blocks, and two service aces.
Ilongga Marianne Sotomil ended up with 10 excellent sets, while Remelyn Altomea contributed 10 excellent receptions for the rookie-laden Fighting Maroons.
“The credit goes to the players, they played their hearts out. We had a plan and our plan worked which I cannot share with you at this moment,” said UP head coach Godfrey Okumu after the win.
Ahead by just two points in the fourth set, Nina Ytang fired one through UST’s blockers before Jum Gayo converted from the service line to give the Fighting Maroons a 23-19 advantage.
Ejiya Laure kept the Golden Tigresses alive with two consecutive hits, but a drop from Bertonalo put the Fighting Maroons at match point.
Laure once again rose high for the Golden Tigresses to trim the lead back to two but was later on blocked by Lorie Lyn Bernardo and Bertolano for the win.
“It was not an easy game. UST is a very, very strong team, they are very experienced, and they have a good coaching staff who would know how to read a game. So, it’s a win yes, but it wasn’t easy for us. We really worked hard for this and I hope the girls will continue fighting the same way,” Okumu said.
Laure ended up with 28 points founded on 25 attacks, two aces, and a block went for naught as the Golden Tigresses, which absorbed their first loss in three games to drop to a 2-1 standing./PN
