by John Edison Ubaldo
Coming off from a disappointing University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 75 stint, the UP Women’s Volleyball Team bagged the Ateneo Open 2013 championship with a 25-20, 25-15, 19-25, 25-21 triumph against the Unicorns Sunday at the Blue Eagle Gym.
The Lady Maroons, who finished Season 75 with only two wins – both against University of the East,– look poised to win the crown winning the first set, 25-20. They also dominated the second, 25-15, before the Unicorns gained momentum and countered in the third canto with a 25-19 win.
UP maintained their composure as they escaped with a 25-21 championship-clinching fourth set win.
Kathy Bersola carried the scoring load for UP and was awarded the Finals Most Valuable Player award for her heroic display, which proved critical for the Maroons’ finals campaign.
On the way to the finals, UP completed an upset with a 25-18, 21-25, 15-10 win against defending champions Laiya Coco Grove led by tournament MVP Jem Ferrer.
The Lady Maroons is now under the guidance of new coach Jerry Yee, replacing coach Jarod Hubalde who led the team for two UAAP seasons.
