2 March 2019
By Ardyn Gonzales
In what could be the most intense match so far in the UAAP Season 81 women’s volleyball tournament, the University of the Philippines Lady Maroons denied the De La Salle University Lady Spikers of a possible sweep via a five-set victory, 21-25, 25-20, 25-21, 20-25, 15-12, Saturday at the Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.
With both teams pocketing a set, La Salle looked to regain momentum after mounting a 19-16 lead in the latter part of the third frame.
However, UP turned things around and stunned the Lady Spikers with a 7-0 run. Ayel Estranero’s one-two play brought the Lady Maroons to set point, followed by an attack error from La Salle for a 2-1 lead in the match.
The defending champions responded in the fourth set as in the blink of an eye, a 15-all deadlock suddenly became a 20-15 advantage. May Luna and Jolina dela Cruz continued to step up and carried La Salle for their first five-setter this season.
Momentum swung back-and-forth in the fifth set as every time UP established a three-point lead, the Lady Spikers would answer back. But with the score tied at 12, Tots Carlos’ clutch heroics has reclaimed the lead for UP.
Unfortunately for La Salle, Luna ran out of gas and committed a crucial attack error that gave the opportunity for Justine Dorog to seal the win against the formerly undefeated Lady Spikers.
The off-season MVPs Tots Carlos and Isa Molde produced 19 and 20 points, respectively, with Carlos also doing an outstanding defensive game with 17 excellent digs and 18 excellent receptions.
Rookie Jolina dela Cruz led La Salle with a career-high 19 points.
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