UAAP: Rookies power UP past struggling NU for third place

UP Lady Maroons. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

It’s another field day for University of the Philippines’ rookies as they led the trail against National University, 25-19, 25-21, 25-20, to stake ownership of the third seed after the first round of UAAP Women’s Volleyball Tournament Wednesday at San Juan Arena.

Rookies Isa Molde and Diana Carlos had 13 and 12 points, respectively, for the Lady Maroons while versatile veteran Nicole Tiamzon had 13 of her own.

Tiamzon was also the one who sealed UP’s 4-3 record with a service ace that no Lady Bulldog managed to counter.

UP totes an identical record with Far Eastern University but holds the upper hand in the standings.

Lady Maroons head coach Jerry Yee said NU’s recent collapse somehow helped them in their matchup.

“It was more NU than UP. Medyo wala sila, nilabas pa key players kaya ayun, we are happy with our win and we know we still have long ways to go to improve,” Yee said after handing NU its third straight loss, two of which came off straight sets.

“Kumbaga inanticipate namin sana makasama kami sa bandwagon, makasabit kami sa ride kasi slump sila,” Yee said. “Baka sa amin pa magising malas naman namin.”

Lady Bulldogs head coach Roger Gorayeb pulled veterans Jaja Santiago and Myla Pablo out in the second set after lackluster performances.

Santiago returned in the match in the third set at the 22-19 scoreline but her first attack went wide to give UP a 23-19 lead.

Kathy Bersola, Santiago’s counterpart in UP’s middle, gave the Lady Maroons the 24-20 match point with a quick attack from her area.

Jorelle Singh was the lone bright spot for the NU, which now sits at fifth seed with a 3-4 card, with 16 points.