UP rookie Alyssa Bertolano. UAAP PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines—University of the Philippines flirted with disaster before fending off Far Eastern University, 25-12, 25-22, 24-26, 27-29, 15-11, in the UAAP Season 84 women’s volleyball tournament Saturday at Mall of Asia Arena.
The Fighting Maroons turned to rookie Alyssa Bertolano, who played like a grizzled veteran anew with a game-high 25 points.
“The first two sets we played our game. The third and the fourth sets, we kinda stopped,” said UP head coach Godfrey Okumu after the game that lasted for two hours and 41 minutes.
“We were playing like we won the game already so we needed to regroup for the fifth set and that’s why we were able to win,” added Okumu, whose squad upped its record to 2-0.
Bertolano finished with 24 attacks, 10 excellent digs and 11 excellent receptions just two days after her 20-point outing led UP past University of the East on Thursday.
Irah Jaboneta, Lorie Bernardo and Jewel Encarnacion provided ample support for Bertolano, combining for 38 points.
Facing a two-set hole, Chenie Tagaod and Jean Asis spearheaded FEU’s spirited rally to extend the match to a deciding fifth set.
Tagaod paced the Lady Tamaraws (0-2) with 18 points while Asis had 15 attacks.