Molde lifts UP over a veteran Navy squad

The young Fighting Maroons outplayed a veteran-laden Philippine Navy Lady Sailors  in the reinforced conference of the 12th season of Shakey’s V-League in a well-fought four set match- 19-25, 25-23, 25-23, 25-23. File Photo courtesy of Arnold Z. Cruz/Shakey's V-League 

By Emy Manipol

San Juan, MM-- In addition to the return of UP’s one-two punch, Nicole Tiamzon and Kat Bersola, UP finds another hero in rookie Isa Moralde as the young Fighting Maroons outplayed a veteran-laden Philippine Navy Lady Sailors  in the reinforced conference of the 12th season of Shakey’s V-League in a well-fought four set match- 19-25, 25-23, 25-23, 25-23.

Navy drew first blood in the opening set as they surprised UP with their powerful attacks as well as their well-orchestrated offense, spearheaded by Janet Serafica.

The Lady Sailors also displayed good team chemistry to secure the 1st set 19-25. 

The Lady Fighting Maroons were quick to pick up their game during the second set and traded points with Navy led by Tiamzon, tying the match one set apiece after snatching the 2nd set 25-23.

UP was off to a blazing start during the third set and led Navy by five heading towards the 2nd technical time out.

Navy tried to counter with a 3-1 run and eventually equalizing the score at 18, before UP made a counter run 4-0 and sealed the 3rd set 25-23 on a kill by Diana Carlos.

Leading the game 2-1, UP started the 4th set strong, leading Navy by three before Navy peppered UP’s court with strong attacks. Navy led by one heading to the 1st technical timeout 8-7. 

Navy was even leading by as much as three, 14-11 heading to the middle portion of the set, but the returning Kat Bersola tied the game at 15 for the Lady Maroons. 

Pau Soriona tried to inspire her team to rally points and erased UP’s two point lead to again tie the set at 18 apiece.

  

UP injected Rose Cailang to the game to serve and immediately made an impact as she registered two back to back points via service aces, capped off by a strong kill by Isa morade to secure the win 25-23.

Isa Molde was named player of the game after displaying her offensive prowess by tallying 17 points. Tiamzon was also on point as she contributed 12. 

Box Scores:

UP (3)- Molde 17, Tiamzon 12, Buitre 10, Bersola 8, Chopitea 7, Carlos 5, Dorog 3, Cailing 2, Gaiser (L).

Navy (1)- Acuna 15, Mabbayad 13, Soriano 13, Diaz 8, Genido 7, Martinez 3, De la Cruz 1, Veronas 1, Serafica, Fortuno (L), Ticar (L)

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