University of the Philippines picked itself up from a first-set struggle and swept the next three as it carved out a 20-25, 25-19, 25-22, 25-17 victory over Far Eastern U on Friday to book the first semifinal berth in the V-League Women’s Collegiate Challenge at the Paco Arena in Manila.
Steph Bustrillo fired a down-the-line kill to put the Lady Maroons at match point but Jewel Encarnacion failed to convert in the team’s next possession although the Diliman-based squad clinched the win – and the coveted semis slot – as FEU's Miltzi Paningin served long.
Shaq Delos Santos took over the coaching chores for the Lady Maroons, who responded and rose to the challenge after yielding the opening frame.
Ethan Arce scored four of her nine points at the net to underscore UP’s solid blocking. She added three attacks and two aces while Stephanie Bustrillo came away with 16 points, including 13 attacks, to go with six excellent digs.
"Pinush ko talaga na ako mag-coach for today para mas ma-control namin yung system na pinapa-adopt namin sa kanila. Kasi every game, every practice, sinasabihan namin sila ng dapat gawin. Good thing naman, sumunod naman yung mga players namin," said delos Santos, whose wards thus advanced to their second post-elims play in three seasons of the PVL/V-League collegiate tournament since beating the Lady Tams in the 2018 PVL Collegiate Conference finals.
Barbie Jamili came off the bench to put in an 11-point performance while Juliane Monares added 10 points and 11 excellent receptions for the Lady Tams.
