By Ardyn Gonzales
24 March 2019
The University of the Philippines Lady Maroons denied the De La Salle University Lady Spikers of a bounce back win after a dominant sweep, 25-16, 26-24, 25-19, to start their second round campaign in the UAAP Season 81 women’s volleyball tournament, Sunday, at the Ynares Sports Center in Antipolo City, Rizal.
After losing to UP the first time they met this season, all eyes were on the defending champions who were known in avenging their losses in the second round.
But UP started strong from the onset and capitalized on the unforced errors that La Salle committed. After doubling-up on the Lady Spikers heading into the first technical timeout, 8-4, the Lady Maroons stretched and maintained the huge lead for the closeout.
UP faced more resistance from La Salle in the second set with rookie setter Mars Alba doing the setting. However, errors continued to haunt the Lady Spikers that paved the way for the Lady Maroons to tie the game at 19-all.
Both teams exchanged points to inch closer to set point, but back-to-back service errors from La Salle gave the opportunity to UP to notch a 2-0 advantage in the match.
The Lady Maroons then took full control in the third set as they completed the straight-set win. UP swept the Lady Spikers in the elimination run this season – something that only the Lady Eagles have accomplished in recent memory.
The duo of Isa Molde and Tots Carlos combined for 24 points to lead the Lady Maroons, while rookie Lorie Bernardo chipped in 5 points including the team-high 3 service aces.
Team captain Desiree Cheng was the only player who scored in double-digits for La Salle with 11 markers. The Lady Spikers also committed 37 unforced errors in just three sets.
The win of UP forced a four-way tie for the second spot alongside La Salle, UST, and FEU who all have 5-3 win-loss records.
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