UNIVERSITY of the Philippines overcame a momentary slip and defeated University of Sto. Tomas, 25-22, 25-22, 29-31, 25-19 on Sunday to preserve their unblemished slate in the UAAP women’s volleyball tournament at The Arena in San Juan.
The Lady Maroons wasted a chance to finish off the Tigresses in straight sets but got right back in the fourth to secure their fourth win in as many matches.
The Tigresses could not get a win run going after downing lowly University of the East, absorbing their third loss in four matches.
It was the first time UP dropped a set this season, but the coaching staff was pleased to see the Lady Maroons were unrattled.
“Maturity talaga ang key word kasi kung wala ang maturity nila ang recovery hindi agad-agad makakabawi,” said UP assistant coach Rald Ricafort, who talked to the reporters on behalf of coach Jerry Yee. “Sayang pero ’yun nga kahit kanino mapupunta ang laro.”
UP erased a 3-6 deficit at the start of the fourth set and went on a sizzling run for a 16-10 lead and were never threatened.
“Ang pinakaimportante pa rin ang panalo sa dulo,” said Ricafort.
“Aanhin naman namin ang walang nada-drop (na set) kung hindi namin matutuluy-tuloy ang momentum from La Salle’s game,” he added.
EJ Laure scored 18 points for UST, while team captain Sisi Rondina and Chloe Cortez added 12 markers apiece.
UP hit 15 service aces as it extended its winning streak against UST to five dating to Season 77.
“Maganda naman ang preparations namin, ang goal naman is hangga’t makakayang kumuha ng panalo iga-grab namin so ’yun nga swerte na medyo nagkakasunud-sunod ang panalo,” said Ricafort.
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