UNIVERSITY of the Philippines recovered from an opening set loss before turning back Arellano University, 21-25, 25-14, 25-23, 25-13, in the Spikers’ Turf Collegiate Conference at The Arena in San Juan on Monday.
Wendel Miguel powered the Fighting Maroons with 20 points, while skipper Alfred Valbuena added 14 and Julius Raymundo chipped in 12.
“Medyo nangapa pa ‘yung mga players sa first set kaya nagkaganoon,” said UP coach Melchor Santos.
The Diliman-based spikers immediately bounced back and dominated the second set, sustaining the momentum thereon and finishing the Chiefs in an hour and 40 minutes.
But Santos said the rusty start isn’t no excuse for his team.
“Kailangan sa start pa lang, sa first set pa lang malakas na kami,” he said. “Kasi pag first set pa lang talo ka na tapos hahabol ka. Dapat strong start lagi, ayaw ko ‘yung naghahabol.”
UP, which earned 35 points through Arellano’s miscues, is on top of Group B with a 1-0 card.
Guest player Christian dela Paz made 17 points for Arellano, while mainstays Christian Segovia and Christopher Soriano added 12 markers apiece.
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