Tubiera leads Arellano’s 4-set win over UP

MANILA, Philippines – Menchie Tubiera scored on a clean hit late in the fourth set and Arellano University closed the door on the University of the Philippines 25-23, 27-29, 25-23, 25-22 in the Shakey’s V-League 12 Collegiate Conference on Saturday, August 8.

Tubiera poured 21 points built on 18 attacks including the crucial kill that gave the Lady Chiefs some cushion late in set 4, squashing the Lady Maroons’ hopes for a 5th set in the game held at the FilOil Flying V Arena in San Juan.

Danna Henson also put on a superb performance with 14 attacks and a total of 18 points. Guest player Mina Aganon likewise avoided UP’s blockers in one play to earn an attack point that made it 23-21 in favor of the reigning NCAA champions.

“My team relaxed but it was still a good performance,” head coach Roberto Javier, speaking in Filipino, praised his team’s ability to recognize perfect timing. “They knew when to grab opportunity and take control of the set.”

“What happened was good because my team respected that UP is a strong team even though they’re young,” he added.

The Lady Chiefs ended the eliminations on a 3-game run and 4-1 for a 3-way tie at the top spot with National University and Far Eastern University in Group A.

Rookie Justine Dorog powered the Lady Maroons’ cause with 19 points on 17 spikes and two blocks, while  Maria Lina Molde finished with 18 points.

Diana Mae Carlos and Marian Buitre tallied 13 and 11 points, respectively, as UP fell to 2-3 after back-to-back losses behind the 4-1 group leaders.

The Lady Maroons had control early in sets but their inexperience emerged as the rookie-laden squad piled up 35 errors. – Rappler.com