University of the Philippines outdueled University of Santo Tomas in a match that was close throughout, carving out a 28-26, 22-25, 25-21, 27-25 decision to notch its second straight win in Pool B play of the 2022 V-League Collegiate Championship, Tuesday at Paco Arena.
Sophomore spiker Joan Monares paced the Fighting Maroons with 15 points built on 14 attacks while finishing with 12 excellent digs even as skipper Jewel Encarnacion banged in 12 points on top of 17 excellent receptions to help steer UP to a 2-0 start.
“Proud sa mga bata kasi nag-adjust kami doon sa isang set na natalo kami kasi nawala yung target namin sa service. Sabi nga namin kanina, back to basics kami na bumalik kami sa service naming may target and doon sa blockings at floor defense namin,” said UP assistant coach Kirk Beliran.
With the Fighting Maroons a point away from securing the win, UST went to Athena Abbu, who saved a match point with a quick hit before Pierre Abellana blasted in back-to-back attacks to shove the Golden Tigresses to a 25-24 lead.
But the Espana-based squad failed to convert on their offensive as Cassie Carballo and Abellana committed consecutive errors, putting the Fighting Maroons back at match point. Encarnacion scored off the block to clinch the win.
Abellana scored 15 points for the Golden Tigresses while Imee Hernandez and Jonah Perdido each had 10 for the Golden Tigresses, who slipped to 0-2.
