UP bags first win as UE loses 23 straight in UAAP women’s volley

MANILA, Philippines — University of the Philippines bagged its first victory in the UAAP season 76 women’s volleyball Saturday while pushing University of the East to a 23-game tail spin.

In the battle of the cellar dwellers, the Lady Maroons turned back the Lady Warriors in straight sets, 25-8, 25-18, 25-16, at the Arena in San Juan.

Even with a much-improved roster, UP struggled to barge into the win-column — but it wasn’t going to let the first round pass without a win.

The troika of Angeli Araneta, Katherine Bersola and Julienne Caluglug carried the offensive load for the Lady Maroons with 11 markers apiece.

Bersola had four blocks for UP, which banked on its strong start to improve to 1-6, while the rookie Caluglug chalked up all but one of her total output from hits.

The Lady Warriors, who had a shortlived lead early in the third, were held back by their error-prone game and sheer lack of firepower.

UE, which dropped to 0-6 and has not won since 2012, gave away 26 points off miscues while Shaya Adorador only managed nine markers to lead the team.