MANILA, Philippines (UPDATED) – The University of the Philippines (UP) Lady Maroons survived the pesky University of the East (UE) Lady Warriors in 5 sets, 25-12, 22-25, 23-25, 25-19, 15-12, at the start of the UAAP Season 81 volleyball tournament on Saturday, February 16, at the Filoil Flying V Arena. 

Isa Molde led the Lady Maroons’ offense with 23 points followed by Tots Carlos’ 17 points. Ayel Estranero also delivered with 44 excellent sets. 

“Nothing comes easy,” said UP head coach Godfrey Okumu.

“We win but we have to struggle sometimes. The sets we won, we won with ease, but the ones we lost, we struggle.”

Judith Abil carried the Lady Warriors with 20 points while Kath Arado anchored the defense with 32 excellent digs and 18 excellent receptions.

After the Lady Maroons took the first set, UE rallied back by taking the next two sets. 

But the Lady Maroons fought for survival in the 4th set as UP blasted off to a 10-1 start, before Abil sparked a 12-5 UE run that cut the deficit to two, 13-15. 

Carlos brought the Lady Maroons to a 16-13 lead at the second technical timeout and UP never looked back as it denied the the Lady Warriors from taking control of the game. 

UP broke the deadlock in the deciding set as Carlos made it a 7-5 lead over UE.

The Lady Maroons never conceded the lead as Justine Dorog brought it to match point and Jessma Ramos wrapped up the game. – Rappler.com