Team captain Tots Carlos unleashed season-high 32 points to lead the University of the Philippines Lady Maroons in their second win this season against the University of Sto. Tomas Lady Tigresses, 31-33, 25-23, 25-16, 25-12 in UAAP Women’s Volleyball, Wednesday, at FilOil Flying-V Arena in San Juan City.
After being down as much as nine in the first set, 10-19, UP responded with an impressive run that tied the game at 24-all. They then stunningly dragged UST into a seesaw battle in an extended set, but the 31-all deadlock ended with a strong attack by Sisi Rondina followed by a service ace by Carla Sandoval.
Despite failing to complete the comeback in the first set, the Lady Maroons still continued their momentum to win the next three sets.
They momentarily faltered in the latter part of the second set as the Lady Tigresses saved two set points, 23-24. But the strong defense of UP at the net saved the day for them as Ayel Estranero put up a block on Sandoval. The Lady Maroons did not give any chance for UST to fight back in the succeeding frames to end the match in their favor and arrest their four-game losing skid.
The duo of former ‘super rookies’ Tots Carlos and Isa Molde carried the scoring load with 32 and 24 points, respectively.
But it was the adjustment of Coach Gody Okumu that spelled the difference for UP, using Rem Cailing as the starting setter, then putting spiker-turned-libero-turned-setter Ayel Estranero in the utility position for defensive purposes. She tallied team-high 12 excellent digs and 19 excellent receptions.
Rondina led UST with 23 points, while Tin Francisco stepped up and added 12 markers.
Player of the Game: Tots Carlos, 32 points (27 attacks, 3 blocks, 2 service aces)
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