Dominant UP sweeps NU, gains 3rd solo spot

MANILA, Philippines (UPDATED) – The University of the Philippines Lady Maroons continued to ride on their momentum as they defeated the struggling National University Lady Bulldogs in straight sets, 25-19, 25-21, 25-20, in the Season 78 women’s volleyball, March 2, at the FilOil Flying V Arena.  

Rookie Isa Molde scattered 13 points coming off 12 attacks and a block, while Nicole Tiamzon also added another 13 markers.  

“We are very, very happy,” said elated Coach Jerry Yee.  

UP improved their card to 4-3 and now climbs to solo third, while NU experienced their third straight loss today and dropped to 3-4.

UP now has the same win-loss record as FEU but remains ahead due to quotient, with UP in possession of 13 points and FEU a point behind with 12.

“We are on a high. It’s our first time to defeat NU and we are very happy that the UP community is very happy and supportive of us,” he added.  

The Lady Maroons capitalized on the 3-game losing streak of the Lady Bulldogs and showed dominance early in the game, building a 23-16 lead over NU in the first set. 

National University tried to retaliate but a Jorelle Singh service error sealed the first set for the Diliman-based squad, 25-19. 

The second frame came no different as UP demolished the defense of the distracted NU ward with the kills of Marian Buitre and Diana Carlos.  

UP also dominated the attacks and service battles, 44-34, 8-2.  

The Lady Maroons continued to cruise in the deciding canto, burying the Lady Bulldogs in a 21-17 lead and ran away with their second consecutive win, 25-20.  

“The league is still long and we still have more games in the second round. We don’t know if we can make it to the final four but this is a step forward,” Yee said.

Jorelle Singh was the lone bright spot for the Lady Bulldogs with 16 markers. – Rappler.com