UNIVERSITY of the Philippines ended a 17-game skid with a breakthrough win in UAAP Season 86 women’s volleyball over University of the East, 25-21, 25-20, 25-17, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Sunday.
Steph Bustrillo fired 24 points on 22 attacks and two aces as UP asserts its mastery of UE with its 19th victory in their last 20 UAAP meetings.
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In the absence of reigning best middle blocker Niña Ytang, Pling Baclay manned the Fighting Maroons’ net defense with a game-best seven blocks on top of three attacks.
"Napakasarap na manalo. Mahirap manalo and wearing the maroon shirt, winning for the Maroons, really means a lot. To the UP community, we will get there. It really feels amazing right now. Sabi namin kanina, we will sing our alma mater ahead of them. 'Yun ang motivation na pinang-huhugutan namin," said UP head coach Oliver Almadro.
"We offer this (win) to Ma'am Mona (Adviento), our sports (psychologist) who passed away. Ma'am Mona, this is for you and kay Niña (Ytang), for her mother. Wala si Niña ngayon pero we share this win with her," he added.
UP's first win of the season was unlocked by activating the team's offense in its best shape to date as Bustrillo led five Fighting Maroons in double figures, including two 12-point outings from Joan Monares and Irah Jaboneta on top of Baclay and Nica Celis' 10 markers apiece.
Casiey Dongallo led UE with 26 points on 23 attacks, two blocks, and an ace.
UP libero Yesha Capistrano covered all fronts on floor defense with 12 excellent digs and 12 excellent receptions to her name.
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