The UP Lady Fighting Maroons beat the University of Santo Tomas (UST) Golden Tigresses 25-21, 23-25, 25-21, 25-22 in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 84 women’s volleyball tournament on May 10 at the Mall of Asia Arena.

Working as a team on the court, UP firmly took the first set.

In the second frame, UST started strong and cruised to a 24-19 lead. UP fought back and scored four consecutive points to come within one point until UST’s Ysabel Jimenez scored an attack to equalize the match.

Tables were turned in the third set as the UP Lady Fighting Maroons, with better communication and strong net defense, zoomed to a 24-18 lead. UST, led by Eya Laure, however, was able to save three set-points until a setting error, by UST’s Ma. Regina Mangulabnan, gave UP a 2-1 set lead.

The two teams had a see-saw battle at the start of the fourth frame, but UP put a separation down the stretch through a service ace by reserve setter Jum Marie Gayo, that had the Fighting Maroons within two points, 23-19, from clinching the victory. Laure then scored two consecutive points for UST. 

In the next rally, UP’s Allysa Bertolano found a hole on UST’s defense through a power tip to put the Fighting Maroons at match point, 24-21. Laure once again rescued UST by scoring on a drop ball to cut UP’s lead to two, 22-24. In the ensuing play, Laure’s attack was rejected by Lorie Bernardo, sealing UP’s third straight victory.

It was a total team effort and balanced attack for the UP Lady Fighting Maroons led by Jewel Encarnacion’s 16 points, 14 excellent receptions, and 11 excellent digs. Bertolano also had a splendid game, contributing 15 points built from 10 attacks, three blocks, and two services aces.

Bernardo, Jaila Atienza, and Niña Ytang chipped in nine points apiece for UP. The Fighting Maroons will take on the Adamson University on May 12, Thursday, at 4 p.m.