THE University of the Philippines (UP) Lady Maroons boosted their Final Four push in UAAP Season 79 women’s volleyball yesterday, beating the hapless Adamson Lady Falcons in straight sets, 25-15, 25-16 and 25-20.
Having lost five of their last six games, the Diliman-based Lady Maroons recognized the need to come out on top of the Lady Falcons and went to work accordingly to notch the win that pushed them above the .500 mark with a 6-5 record while staying in the mix for a playoff spot.
The two teams went at each other early in the match before UP sprinted after the first technical knockout.
Holding a narrow 8-7 lead, the Lady Maroons went on a 4-0 blast to create some distance and then continued to outscore their opponents, 13-6, the rest of the way to claim the frame.
Adamson came out more aggressive in the second set, establishing an 8-5 advantage one-third into the frame. UP though would go on another explosive 13-3 run to overtake Adamson and never looked back.
In the third set, UP started fast, building a 6-2 cushion then stretched it to five, 13-8.
Adamson though would have a run of its own to narrow the gap at 14-12 midway in the set.
The Lady Maroons eventually nipped the Lady Falcons’ rally by racking up three straight points to build some separation anew.
Adamson tried to salvage the set but the closest they would get was three points, 18-15, as UP put pedal to the metal to notch the win.
Isa Molde showed the way for the Lady Maroons with 15 points, six off service aces, and 22 digs, followed by Kathy Bersola with 12 and Tots Carlos 11. Setter Ayel Estranero had 24 excellent sets.
Adamson, for its part, was led by Jema Galanza with 10 points.
“It was a collective effort for us today and we’re happy that we won. Hopefully we get to sustain the momentum that we had in this game,” said Estranero, named player of the game, following their victory.
With the win, UP grabs solo fifth place and still has a solid shot at making the playoffs while Adamson (0-11) remained as the sole team still sans a victory in Season 79 of the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP).
Both UP and Adamson return to action on Sunday with the Lady Maroons taking on the National University Lady Bulldogs (7-4) and Adamson facing off with the league-leading Ateneo Lady Eagles (9-2).