UNIVERSITY of the Philippines completed a come-from-behind against Adamson University, 24-26, 25-19, 25-22, 25-20, to draw first blood in the Premier Volleyball League Collegiate Conference on Wednesday at The Arena in San Juan.
The second match of the best-of-three series is set on Saturday.
Marian Buitre led UP with 25 points, Maristela Layug added 14, Roselyn Rosier chipped in 11 and Aie Ganaban scored 10.
“As usual with a good homework, good results,” said Lady Maroons coach Godfrey Okumu. “Even though it wasn’t easy for us because Adamson is a very, very strong team and I have a lot of respect to their coach as well.”
Down, 12-18, in the fourth set, the Lady Maroons clawed back with nine unanswered points to take a 21-18 lead.
Buitre took over as she scored eight of of UP’s last 13 points in the match.
“I think the players got composed and you can see the way Buitre,” said Okumu. “From there I think Buitre did a very good job.”
“She will get all the balls, every time we get the chance ball we use the opposite player and basically that volleyball, to play with your opposite player,” he added.
Bernadette Flora had 20 points, 17 digs and 18 excellent receptions for Adamson , while Eli Soyud had 16 and Lea Ann Perez contributed 11.
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