UP breezes past UE for solo 2nd

The University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons delivered a dominant performance, defeating the University of the East Lady Warriors, 25-15, 25-16, 25-22, to secure solo second in the V-League Women’s Collegiate Challenge at the Paco Arena in Manila on Wednesday.

Led by standout Kianne Olango and team captain Nica Celis, UP improved to a 3-2 record, breaking a three-way tie with the Far Eastern University Lady Tamaraws and the College of St. Benilde Lady Blazers.

Olango was exceptional, contributing 14 points from 11 attacks and three blocks, while Celis added 11 points, including four blocks.

"We're still looking for that cohesiveness, 70 percent ng team namin ay rookies, so we have to maximize the strength and find that strength pa," said UP head coach Oliver Almadro.

Despite a valiant comeback attempt by the Lady Warriors, especially in the third set where they erased a 13-16 deficit to take a 20-19 lead, the Fighting Maroons remained resolute. Key plays from Olango, Mikaela Magsombol and Kassandra Doering helped UP regain control and secure the set – and the match.

A crucial 5-0 closing run, highlighted by timely hits from Airah Jaboneta and Doering, sealed the first set for UP. The Maroons' defensive prowess was evident throughout, as they outblocked UE, 4-1, in the second set to take a 2-0 lead.

"Hindi pa ito yung 100 percent namin 'eh, mga nasa 50 percent or 40 percent pa lang. But ang important is ay the players know their role. They know their role, they start knowing their role, so that in the future games, they will be having that much needed confidence," Almadro added.

UP’s next challenge will be against the undefeated University of Santo Tomas (3-0) on Sept. 11 at 3 p.m.

For UE, Cepada led the way with 10 points, while Jenalyn Umayam added nine markers.

The Lady Warriors will look to bounce back in their next match against the Lady Tamaraws on Aug. 25 at 12 noon.