Amazing Maroons humble Lady Eagles

MANILA, Philippines — University of the Philipines continued its giant killing ways, claiming the scalp of Ateneo this time, 28-26, 25-23, 26-24, to stay in the running for a Final Four berth in the UAAP Season 80 women’s volleyball tourney last night at MOA Arena. 

A few days after toppling National U, the Lady Maroons showed up ready to do battle with a streaking heavyweight and outduelled the Lady Eagles in three hard-fought sets to keep their semis hopes burning. 

“To finish the tournament strong, that’s what we came to do and that’s what we did,” said UP coach Godfry Okumu, whose charges improved to 5-8 and snapped the five-game streak of Ateneo (9-4).

The Lady Maroons aim to win their last game against University of the East and hope that NU loses its last two to force a playoff for the fourth F4 slot. 

Tots Carlos paced UP with 22, delivering the goods in the second and third as the Lady Maroons clawed back from deficits of 18-21 and 19-23, respectively. 

Kat Tolentino led AdMU with 15.

Earlier, Far Eastern overcame a 41-error performance to  clinch the third F4 seat via a come-from-behind 25-22, 25-27, 14-25, 25-22, 15-11 win over Adamson.

The Lady Tams leaned on endgame heroics of Bernadeth Pons to overhaul an 8-10 deficit in the decider and secure their eighth victory against four losses over first-round tormentor Lady Falcons, who slipped to 5-7.

FEU belles, who limited their errors to two in the decider, booked their fourth consecutive F4 stint.

“Top 2 ang talagang target namin, hinahabol namin iyung twice to beat. Nabigyan kami ng chance, hindi na namin dapat pakawalan pa ang chance na ito (We’re gunning for the Top 2 and twice-to-beat and we still have a chance. We should make the most of it),” said FEU coach George Pascua.

Pons topscored with 22 points plus 23 excellent digs and 24 excellent receptions. She was backed up by Celine Domingo’ 12 attacks and six blocks and Chin Basas’ 16.

Jema Galanza (16) and Mylene Paat (15) led the Lady Falcons. 

In men’s action, holder Ateneo made shortwork of Santo Tomas, 25-11, 25-21, 25-21, to grab a share of the lead with idle National U at 10-2 while sending the Tigers down to their seventh setback in 12 starts.