UP repulses Navy in V-League opener

UP Lady Maroons. Bong Lozada/INQUIRER.net

University of the Philippines had a shaky start before finding its footing to defeat Philippine Navy,19-25, 25-23, 25-23, 25-23, on Saturday in the opener of the Shakey’s V-League Season 12-Reinforced Conference at The Arena in San Juan City.

Isabel Molde had 17 hits and Anne Tiamzon added 14 as the Lady Maroons leaned on their blocking prowess and superb reception in the last three sets that could have gone either way.

The Lady Sailors had several chances to turn everything around but cracked under pressure despite the 15 markers of Hezzymie Acuna and a pair of 13 hits by Pau Soriano and Lilet Mabbayad.

Pouncing on a listless UP side, the Lady Sailors seemed headed toward success after grabbing the first set and taking command early in the second frame.

But the Lady Maroons found their form and began driving in those kills that shifted the momentum to their favor.

They also offset the power game of the Lady Sailors with a 13-block effort, including four from skipper Katherine Bersola and three from Sheena Chopitea.

Marian Buitre added 10 points for UP, which also drew a combined 25-hit output from Bersola, Chopitea, Diana Carlos, Justine Dorog and Rose Cailing.

Explosive games marks the second day of the event with PLDT Home Ultera tackling Philippine Coast Guard at 12:45 p.m.

Army, on the other hand, clashes with newcomer Kia Forte at 3 p.m. with both matches to be aired live on GMA News TV 11.

Alnakran Abdilla had 15 hits, one block and a service ace as Philippine Air Force subdued IEM Volley Masters, 25-19, 25-27, 25-21, 25-20, in the Spikers’ Turf Reinforced Conference opener.