Lady Falcons lean on Pineda, Zapanta to trip Lady Maroons

Shiela Marie Pineda (1) of Adamson against Angeli Pauline Araneta (5) and Katherine Adrielle Bersola (8) of UP. Contributed photo

MANILA, Philippines — Adamson dug deep to frustrate a hard-fighting University of the Philippines  side, 23-25, 25-22, 25-27, 25-18, 15-8 for its maiden win in UAAP Season 76 women’s volleyball Sunday at the Arena in San Juan.

Sheila Pineda was superb on both in offense and defense as she led the Lady Falcons with 21 points, while Mayette Zapanta turned in a clutch performance.

Zapanta, who was fielded only in the second set, fired 17 markers, including seven to close the fifth set and hand Adamson the win.

Faye Guevarra added 16 hits for Adamson University, which improved to 1-1 to join Ateneo and Far Eastern University in third place.

The vastly-improved Lady Maroons, who recorded nine blocks, stumbled to their second consecutive loss under new coach Jerry Yee.

Angeli Araneta pumped in 18 points while sophomore Kathy Bersola had another solid outing with 17 points, including three blocks, for UP.

Meanwhile, Michael Sudaria, Bryan Saraza and John Edison Mallapre scattered 15 points apiece as Adamson completed a 21-25, 25-20, 25-16, 25-17 win  over University of the East.

The Falcons joined men’s titleholder National University on top at 2-0.

La Salle, meanwhile, entered the win column by tripping UP, 23-25, 25-16, 25-15, 25-23, in the other men’s game with Red Christensen and Reymark Woo combining for 41 points.