UP sinks Lyceum, bolsters campaign

Building on the momentum of its thrilling five-set victory over Far Eastern U last week, University of the Philippines swept past Lyceum of the Philippines University with a commanding 25-16, 25-23, 15-25, 25-20 win, strengthening its bid in the 2024 V-League Women’s Collegiate Challenge at the Paco Arena in Manila on Wednesday.

Nica Celis and Kassandra Doering spearheaded UP’s attack in the decisive fourth set, leading the Fighting Maroons to their second consecutive win after a tough five-set loss to the Letran Lady Knights.

The victory hiked UP’s record to 2-1 (win-loss).

“It’s a positive note for us because, as you know, 70 percent of the UP lineup this year are rookies. We’re happy that most of the rookies are delivering. We can use some of the rookies, but what we need is consistency and maturity,” said UP head coach Oliver Almadro, reflecting on his team's performance.

Nina Ytang shone with 16 points from 12 attacks and four blocks, while Doering and Irah Jaboneta contributed 14 and 10 points, respectively. Despite a strong start, UP missed the chance to sweep LPU due to errors by Kianne Olango and a quick hit from Heart Bio, allowing the Lady Pirates to take the third set.

In the fourth frame, with UP trailing by one point after a Hiromi Osada off-the-block hit, the Fighting Maroons unleashed a decisive 9-0 run to secure the victory, handing LPU their second consecutive defeat.

“There’s a tendency to relax or maintain a certain level, but I’m really challenging them that every game, every point, every set, the level should be going up every time. It’s still a learning process,” added Almadro.

UP established a comfortable two-set lead before overcoming a third-set lapse to clinch the one hour, 43-minute victory. The Fighting Maroons are set to face the College of St. Benilde Lady Blazers on Sunday.

On the other hand, the Lady Pirates, led by Heart Bio with 16 points from nine attacks, six blocks, and an ace, and Joan Doguna with 10 points, will attempt to break their losing streak against last year’s V-League silver medalists FEU Lady Tamaraws on Aug. 14.