The UP Lady Maroons stunned defending champion De La Salle University Lady Spikers with a 3 straight sets victory, 25-22, 25-21, 25-19, at the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 79 women’s volleyball tournament on Feb. 15 at The Arena in San Juan.

The Lady Maroons started strong, keeping DLSU at bay to take the opening set. UP with its well distributed attacks continued its dominance, building a comfortable lead, 22-16, en route to win the second set. DLSU tried to rally back in the third set, taking an early lead, 8-4, but the Lady Maroons kept their composure and fought back. Relentless attacks by Nicole Tiamzon, Diana Carlos and Marian Buitre put the Lady Maroons in the upper hand as they eventually raced to match point, 24-19. A spiking error by DLSU’s Justine Tiu sealed the game for the UP.

Tiamzon, named best player of the game, led the Lady Maroons with 16 points, all coming from attacks. Carlos and Buitre contributed 13 points and 8 points, respectively, while playmaker Arielle Estranero dished out 27 excellent sets.

The Lady Maroons improved to 3-0, joining the National University Lady Bulldogs at the top of the team standings. UP’s next game against University of Santo Tomas is on Feb. 19, 2 p.m., also at The Arena in San Juan.