(APR. 4)— Marian Buitre was a player-unleashed, leading the UPWVT to a hard earned win, 25-23,20-25, 25-23, 24-26, 15-11, over the University of the East (UE) Lady Warriors in the UAAP Season 81 Volleyball Tournament on Apr. 3 at the FilOil Flying V Centre in San Juan City.

Buitre, who filled up for the injured Isabel Molde, scored 19 points built on 16 attacks and three blocks to lead UP’s assault as they duplicated their five set win against UE in the first round. 

The two teams took turns in taking the first four sets, with the Lady Maroons winning the first and third frames, while UE took the second and fourth sets. 

UP had a good start in the final canto, establishing a comfortable 9-5 lead behind Buitre, Maristela Layug and Diana Mae Carlos superb plays. UE, however, came back to cut the lead to a single point, 9-10, but the Lady Maroons regrouped and made a counter-run to create a separation and eventually took the match point, 14-9. UE was able to save two match points until a net touch violation by a UE’s Roselle Baliton gave UP the win.

The Lady Maroons are now in a share at the fourth spot with a 6-4 win-loss cards.

Carlos also had an outstanding game scoring 16 points, 24 digs and 24 receptions. Layug contributed 15 points, while Ayel Estranero had 34 excellent sets.

The Lady Maroons will try to solidify their final four bid against the Far Eastern University Lady Tamaraws on Apr. 6 at the Araneta Coliseum. — Bino Gamba photo by UPWVT and ABS-CBN