The UP Fighting Maroons opened its campaign in the women’s volleyball tournament of the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 84 with three-straight sets of victory, 25-19, 25-23, 25-23, against the University of the East Lady Warriors on May 5 at the Mall of Asia Arena.

UP setter Marianne Sotomil did a good job in distributing the ball for varied offense plays that resulted in UP scoring a lot on its attacks, taking the first set in a convincing manner.

UP slowed down in the second frame but was able to pull through behind the offensive prowess of rookie Alyssa Bertolano. In the third set, with the score tied at 21, Bertolano scored four-straight points, punctuated by an ace jump serve to close the game and give UP the win. 

Bertolano’s impressive debut gave the Fighting Maroons the lead with 20 points, coming from 18 attacks, one block, and a service ace. She also had six excellent digs. Irah Anika Jaboneta, another rookie, contributed 13 points, all coming from attacks.The Fighting Maroons will face the Far Eastern University Lady Tamaraws on May 7, Saturday, 4 p.m.