FILE—UP Lady Maroons. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
University of the Philippines brushed off a poor second set and turned back Ateneo, 25-18, 14-25, 25-20, 25-18, in the quarterfinal stages of the Shakey’s V-League Collegiate Conference Saturday at San Juan Arena.
Isa Molde’s smooth tip-in in the fourth set doused any Lady Eagles’ hopes of a comeback as the Lady Maroons improved to 2-1 while Ateneo slipped to 1-2.
Lady Maroons head coach Jerry Yee knew the second set meltdown was almost a normal occurrence but was thankful the team immediately bounced back to take the match in four sets.
“Customary downtime namin yun, kaya laging kong sinasabi na di tayo consistent,” said Yee. “Not as if dina-down natin players or sinisisi pa natin, nanalo na nga.”
“Nangyayari talaga yan sa mga batang players on their way up, may inconsistencies, growing pains ba.”
UP team captain Kathy Bersola led the Lady Maroons with 12 points while Molde and Marian Buitre added 11 and 10 points, respectively.
Bea De Leon and Ateneo team captain Mitch Morente had 15 points apiece to lead the Lady Eagles.