UAAP volleyball: Lady Warriors end 4-game skid, match last season’s wins

MANILA, Philippines—University of the East got back on track, turning back National University, 25-16, 25-18, 24-26, 25-16 for its second win in the UAAP Season 81 women’s volleyball tournament Wednesday at Filoil Flying V Center.

The Lady Warriors improved to a 2-6 record, matching last season’s total output, as they snapped their four-game losing streak.

They also got back at the Lady Bulldogs for the first-round loss and tied them at the sixth spot.

https://www.facebook.com/inquirersports/videos/2697789560239004

UE matching its record from Season 80, though, nearly got in trouble with an absolute collapse in the third set when the Lady Warriors, up 24-18, allowed NU to go on an 8-0 run to close out the period and extend the match to four sets.

The Lady Warriors, however, found their mojo back in the fourth especially with Judith Abil hitting the open spots.

Abil scored on a crosscourt kill for the 23-16 lead before a team block on Audrey Paran put UE up 24-16.

“We really needed that win especially for the seniors,” said UE head coach Karl Dimaculangan. “Even if we have a slim chance for the Final Four the important thing is we fought and we will fight so that we won’t finish at the no.8 spot like the previous years.”

Abil, who’s in her last playing year, finished things off for the Lady Warriors with a crosscourt kill.

Mary Ann Mendrez led UE’s offense with 19 points while Abil finished with 13 points, 29 excellent digs, and 21 successful receptions.

Princess Robles finished with 13 points for the Lady Bulldogs.