UP Lady Maroons. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
University of the Philippines finished off its campaign with its head held high after turning back University of the East, 14-25, 25-22, 25-23, 25-23, in the UAAP Season 80 women’s volleyball tournament Saturday at Blue Eagle Gym.
The Lady Maroons, who failed to enter the Final Four anew, ended their season with a 6-8 record while the Lady Warriors settled at the eighth seed with a 3-11 record.
Holding a precarious 2-1 set lead, the Lady Maroons found themselves on the receiving end of the Lady Warriors’ constant attack and trailed 20-17 late in the fourth set.
UE’s lead, however, quickly dissipated thanks to Isa Molde’s clutch heroism.
The Season 78 Rookie of the Year went on a blistering pace for UP, scoring three straight points to tie the set at 20-20.
The Lady Maroons bowed out a three-game winning streak and head coach Godfrey Okumu is proud of his players’ performance this season.
“We are the Fighting Maroons so they fought well,” said Okumu, who became the team’s head coach three months before Season 80 started. “I believe coming into next season we’ll still continue fighting.”
“I trust this team, I love the players and I believe they’ll get the work done always.”
After Jessma Ramos’ block on Mary Ann Mendrez, Molde once more got into scoring mode with her crosscourt kill giving the Lady Maroons a 22-20 lead.
UP captain Diana Carlos then took her turn in finishing off UE with two straight kills.
Molde led all scorers with 19 points for UP while Carlos and the graduating Ali Buitre had 14 and 11 points, respectively.
Shaya Adorador had 15 points on her farewell game for the Lady Warriors while Mendrez and Judith Abil combined for 25 points.