UP clinches first win in V-League at Baguio’s expense

MANILA, Philippines- The young University of the Philippines Lady Maroons finally barged into the win column as they extended the Baguio Summer Spikers’ losing skid via 4-set victory, 21-25, 27-25, 25-14, 25-13, in the Shakey’s V-League Open Conference, June 8, at the Filoil Flying V Arena in San Juan.

Incoming sophomore Justin Dorog who suffered a minor shoulder injury last UAAP season 78, is getting back to her game as she led the Lady Maroons with 13 points, all composed of attacks.

“Dahan-dahanin natin. Dinadahan-dahan ko si Justin. Although marami tayong hinahanap sa kanya gaya ng depensa, opensa and all, somehow inaalalayan parin natin,” said UP head coach Jerry Yee.

(We want to take it slowly. Although we ask a lot of things from her like offense, defense and all, we still gauge and assist her.)

UP now improves their standing to 1-2, while Baguio remains at the cellar with a 0-0 card.

The Lady Maroons lost the first canto but regained charge in the remaining sets, even burying the Summer Spikers in a 20-8 hole in the third set.

Coach Yee was able to use some of his bench like Sheena Chopitea and Aiesha Gannaban who chipped in 3 and 4 markers respectively.

“Medyo na off yung kalaban. Masyadong malayo ‘yong score so pwedeng mag expose ng ibang players.”

(The score difference was huge therefore we can expose the other players.)

According to Yee, his team was still in vacation mode in their first two games. He said that they were rarely complete in practices because of the players’ academic requirements.

“Hindi kami nakakapag practice ng tuluy-tuloy tsaka hindi rin kami buo kapag nag p-practice kasi exams dito, exams doon.”

(We can’t practice regularly and we’re not complete most of the time because they have exams.)

On the other hand, Maria Tsuchiya and Carmela Dicksen had 13 and 12 points apiece for the Baguio side. – Rappler.com