Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
University of the Philippines bested University of Santo Tomas, 25-21, 16-25, 25-23, 25-19, Thursday night to capture the inaugural Philippine Superliga Collegiate Grand Slam at Filoil Flying V Centre.
Tots Carlos, Nicole Magsarile and Maristela Layug powered the Lady Maroons, who fittingly raised the Dominic Sytin trophy named after their late benefactor, who was slain early this month.
Carlos scored 17 points, while Magsarile and Layug had 11 and 10, respectively for UP, which recovered from a lethargic second set to win the knockout gold medal match.
“We really fought hard for it because it means a lot for us and we dedicate this to Mr. Sytin and his family, and our sponsor United Auctioneers,” said Carlos.
The UP team captain said the victory boosted their morale going into the UAAP volleyball competition next year.
“We are thankful and happy because in the UAAP this is not yet the lineup, there will be additions,” said Carlos. “Hopefully we gel and grow as a team.”
It was UP’s second title in the club leagues after the Lady Maroons ruled the Premier Volleyball League Collegiate division.
It was a sorry loss for the Tigresses, who got top-notch performance from stars Eya Laure and Milena Alessandrini.
Earlier, University of the East clobbered Far Eastern University, 27-25, 25-23, 25-16, to take the bronze medal.