The University of the Philippines (UP) Fighting Maroons launch their UAAP Season 84 campaign with a straight-sets victory, 25-19, 25-23, 25-23, against the University of the East (UE) Lady Warriors on May 6 at the Mall of Asia Arena.
Rookie Alyssa Bertolano shined in her UAAP debut with 20 points off 18 attacks, six excellent digs, an ace and a block.
The new-look maroons took control of the game’s long rallies, enjoying a 6-point lead at the end of the first frame. A strong offense from UP hitters Irah Jaboneta and Marianne Sotomil secured them a 25-19 opening set win.
Still, the Lady Warriors bit back in the second frame and trimmed UP’s lead to ignite a neck-and-neck match. But powerful cross-court spikes from Jewel Encarnacion pushed UP away from the deadlock. Technical errors from UE also cost them the chance to tie the game as a foot fault from the Lady Warriors gave UP the second set victory, 25-23.
In the third frame, UP extended their high momentum with their strong hitters and found holes in UE’s floor defense. The Lady Warriors were led by Janine Lana’s heavy-handed attacks, delivering 16 points and 10 excellent receptions.
“You could see, we are still a work in progress,” said UP Fighting Maroons head coach Godfrey Okumu in a press conference after the game. “Today was the first day and you could see there were jitters in the first games after layoff for many months.”
But when UP needed to cap the hotly contested third set, Negros Occidental-native Bertolano ended the match with back-to-back hits. With a mixture of straight-line volleys and cross-court attacks, Bertolano beat the UE Red Warrior’s defense strategy and sealed the win for the Fighting Maroons.
UP Women’s Volleyball Team player Alyssa Bertolano and head coach Godfrey Okumu speak to the media after their match against the UE Lady Warriors on May 5.
“Playing in UAAP is my dream and it’s a good opportunity for me to represent UP women’s volleyball,” Bertolano said. “Sobrang gaan sa pakiramdam na kilala mo ‘yung teammates mo. That’s why ang easy lang ng laro ngayon.”
Joining Bertolano in the Fighting Maroons’ match is Jaboneta, who punched in 13 points. Co-captain Encarnacion racked up six points, eight excellent digs and five excellent responses.
The rookie-laden UP squad returned to action without their ace players Isa Molde and Tots Carlos, who both left the team in Season 82. But Okumu remains thankful for the chance to still compete after the COVID-19 pandemic.
“It’s nice to be back after a long time,” Okumu said. “We finished the game well and we have no injuries. There’s more where that came from.”
UP will continue their Season 84 run with a match against FEU on May 7, 4 p.m.
