Nina Ytang led UP's charge. UAAP Season 85 Media Team |
MANILA—The University of the Philippines overcame an erratic game to score a 22-25, 25-18, 25-19, 25-20 victory over the University of the East in the UAAP Season 85 women’s volleyball tournament at the SM Mall of Asia Arena on Sunday.
Nina Ytang anchored the offense with 20 points, on 12 attacks, seven blocks, and a service ace, Stephanie Bustrillo added 16 points while Alyssa Bertolano had an all-around outing of 10 points, 11 excellent receptions, and six digs for the 1-2 Fighting Maroons.
Even with their first win in the young UAAP volleyball season, UP head coach Shaq Delos Santos was concerned with the 16 errors his wards committed in Set 4, which the team needs to lessen in their future matches.
“Una ganun kami kabait,” said Delos Santos in jest. “Ayun nga, 16 errors so trabaho pa kami hanggang sa maibaba namin siya nang maibaba. Part naman yun ng process namin sa pagbuo ng team na ‘to so accept lang kami and then trabaho lang.”
“Siyempre very thankful kasi unang panalo ng team and siguro ang dami pa ring naming mga kulang kanina pero kailangan naming ma-appreciate kung gaano ka-okay yung ginalaw namin kanina,” he added.
Ytang stepped up for the Fighting Maroons in the fourth set as she dominated above the net and fired six points in their pivotal 9-1 scoring rally that gave them a comfortable 20-12 cushion.
The Lady Red Warriors closed the eight-point gap to within four, 19-23, after three consecutive errors from the side of UP before Dara Nieva committed an attack error that placed the Fighting Maroons at match point.
KC Cepada tried to keep the Lady Red Warriors afloat with a cross-court attack but Bertolano answered back with a cross-court hit of his own to help the Fighting Maroons log its first win.
Ja Lana finished with 14 points on 14 attacks to go along with 10 excellent digs while Vanessa Bangayan had 13 points for the Lady Red Warriors, who fell to 0-3 in the standings.
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