The UP Lady Fighting Maroons out-powered the College of St Benilde Lady Blazers in their Premier Volleyball League tilt at the Filoil Flying V Arena today.

UP showed no mercy as they outclassed former coach Jerry Yee’s new squad in three straight sets. It was far from a walk in the park though, as CSB gave the ladies a very tight match with several lead changes and extended sets.

The Lady Blazers took over early in the game to gain the lead. But the Diliman-based squad fought back, led by their fiery rookies Nicole Magsarile, Lorie Bernardo, Rem Altomea, and Marianne Sotomil.

CSB already had set-point, 22-24, but UP had other plans. The team made a 4-point run to secure the first set win, 26-24.

The second set had the same story as Benilde gave the Maroons a difficult time. But UP didn’t let up and kept their composure. Powered by Maris Layug and Isa Molde’s strong showing, the team was able to seal the set, 27-25.

The third stretched beyond 25 points as both teams took turns at match point. Thankfully, UP had enough fuel to secure their third win in the PVL, 29-27.

Former Lady Fighting Maroon, Jewel Lai, had 4 points while Klarisa Abriam led the Blazers with 20. UP’s overall performance was too much for the Taft spikers to overcome though, as several players carried the scoring burden for the team.

Molde led UP with 18 points, while Magsarile had 10. Ayi Gannaban added 9 points and Bernardo had 6. Layug, Marian Buitre, and Rosie Rosier each had 4 points.

The UPWVT is scheduled to face the FEU Lady Tamaraws on Saturday (Aug 18), 4pm at the Filoil Flying V Arena.

FINAL SCORE:
UP: 26, 27, 29
CSB: 24, 25, 27