Lady Maroons for real, blast Lady Spikers

MANILA, Philippines - After disposing of two unfancied rivals with relative ease, University of the Philippines this time toppled reigning titlist La Salle, 25-22, 25-21, 25-19, to share the lead with National U in the UAAP women’s volleyball tournament at the FilOil Flying V Center in San Juan yesterday.

But the Diliman-based squad’s early surge hardly surprised the field with the Lady Maroons coming up with a  talent-laden squad and a series of stints in the commercial league.

“The girls knew their capability and they focused on how to neutralize La Salle,” said UP assistant coach Rald Ricafort in behalf of head coach Jerry Yee. 

Nicole Tiamzon came through with 16 points, all from spikes, while Diana Carlos added 11 hits for the Lady Maroons, who also drew 12 digs from libero Pia Gaiser in her first game back from injury.

UP also got past Adamson and UE in straight sets.

No one from the Lady Spikers scored in twin digits with Kim Dy and Majoy Baron finishing with nine hits apiece.

De La Salle dropped to 2-1 in a tie with Ateneo at third spot.    

Earlier, University of Santo Tomas subdued University of the East, 25-9, 25-22, 25-23, to snap a two-game skid.

EJ Laure scored the Tigresses’ last three points of the second frame to claim a 2-0 set advantage. Cherry Rondina then took charge in closing out the match with an off-the-block kill.

“We learned from our first two losses (against Ateneo and La Salle. Hopefully, that should served as our motivation,” said Tigresses mentor Kungfu Reyes.

Ria Meneses took the scoring mantle for UST with 13 points, including three service aces, Laure had 12 hits and 10 digs while Rondina also dropped 12 markers.

Meanne Mendrez and Jasmine Alcayde teamed up for 12 hits for the Lady Warriors, who have now lost three straight.

Meanwhile, Nes Pamilar earned his first win as the new De La Salle men’s coach after the Green Spikers stunned UP in straight sets, 25-23, 25-19, 25-21.