Atin Ito First Filipino Community Newspaper in Ontario
MANILA, Philippines — The University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons have snapped their 17-game losing streak in the UAAP women’s volleyball tournament after grinding out a four-set win over the University of the East Lady Red Warriors, 25-21, 25-20, 20-25, 25-17 Sunday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The Fighting Maroons’ victory halted the dry spell that stretched to last season, where UP lost 11 straight to end UAAP Season 85.
They then lost their first six games this season prior to the clash with the Lady Red Warriors.
Steph Bustrillo led UP with 24 points off of 22 attacks and two service aces.
The Fighting Maroons were able to win the first two sets convincingly, as UE could not stop their opponents’ strong defense.
Come the third set, however, UE would not be denied as super rookie Casiey Dongallo tried to will the Lady Red Warriors to a comeback.
Dongallo and Kayce Balingit teamed up to extend the match with a 25-20 win in the third set.
In the fourth set, UP was able to get enough separation and lead by six, 22-16, with a kill by Joan Monares.
Monares continued to wax hot in the final points to eventually bring UP to the match point, and a service ace by Bustrillo cemented the win.
Irah Jaboneta and Monares added 12 markers apiece for UP.
Dongallo led UE with 26 points in the losing effort. Kayce Balingit added 14 markers.
Both teams are heading into the second round with identical 1-6 win-loss records.
— Ralph Edwin Villanueva
*****
Credit belongs to: www.philstar.com
