UP ends PVL Open stint with squeaker over Power Smashers

Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

University of the Philippines finished things off soundly in the Premier Volleyball League Open Conference with a five-set victory over the Power Smashers, 25-17, 21-25, 23-25, 25-19, 15-11, Saturday at Filoil Flying V Centre.

The Lady Maroons, who entered their first tournament without the trio of Kathy Bersola, Nicole Tiamzon, and Pia Gaiser, finished the eliminations with a 2-5 record while the Power Smashers are at 1-6.

UP head coach Jerry Yee was impressed with how his team was able to close things out after falling two sets to one, but he knows there are still some areas that need improving.

“We like what we saw but there were iffy moments when the players are having second thoughts, they were quite tentative so we have to improve on that,” said Yee in Filipino.

“We talk to the girls that, because this isn’t a physical thing it’s a mental thing, it’s okay to make mistakes.”

Diana Carlos put up a game-high 23 points to lead UP while Isa Molde added 19 points.

Regine Arocha had 18 points to lead the Power Smashers.