MANILA—University of the Philippines captured the inaugural Philippine Superliga Collegiate Grand Slam crown after defeating University of Santo Tomas, 25-21, 16-25, 25-23, 25-19, in the gold-medal match Thursday at the FilOil Flying V Centre in San Juan City.
The Lady Maroons had to survive a pesky stand by the Tigresses behind inspired plays by Tots Carlos en route to its second collegiate title in its build-up to the UAAP Season 81 volleyball competitions.
After trailing 2-8 in the fourth set, UP staged a 13-2 rally for a 15-10 advantage. UST battled to come within 19-24 on a Milena Alessandrini hit, but Marist Layug fired the final point for the win.
Carlos, later named as the tournament MVP and and first best outside spiker, finished with 17 markers built on 15 attacks, while Nicole Magsarile chipped in 11 points for UP.
Libero Mirgie Bautista had 19 digs and seven receptions, even as setter Arielle Estrañero had a hand on 17 of the team's 23 excellent sets.
With the loss, UST saw its five-game unbeaten run snapped. Eya Laure and Alessandrini accounted 14 and 13 points, respectively.
Earlier, University of East snatched the bronze medal after pulling off a 27-25, 25-23, 25-16 win over Far Eastern University.
Mae-Ann Mendrez finished with 16 points on 15 attacks, while Judith Abil added 12 for the Lady Warriors. Libero Kath Arado had 16 digs in another brilliant defensive display.
Lycha Ebon led the rookie-laden Lady Tamaraws with 10 markers.