The game was so close between two inspired squads that the last two sets had extended deuces, with the fourth reaching up to 34 points
Nicole Tiamzon leads all UP scorers with 22 points. Photo by Josh Albelda/Rappler
MANILA, Philippines – It was one of the most exciting standoffs so far in Season 77.
The UP Lady Maroons warded off the pesky Adamson Lady Falcons with an exhausting but thrilling 4-set win, 22-25, 25-21, 29-27, 34-32, in the UAAP women's volleyball tournament on Wednesday, January 7 at the Mall of Asia Arena.
The Lady Maroons, who are still high off of very nearly defeating defending champions Ateneo — and also being the first team this season who forced the Lady Eagles to drop a set — just last Sunday, recovered from a close first set loss and weathered Adamson's storm in the succeeding sets for the victory.
Nicole Tiamzon led all UP scorers with 22 points while Angeli Araneta and Arianne Ilustre added 12 and 11 points, respectively.
However, a nightmare is unfolding for UP amid their inspired win as middle blocker Kathy Bersola went down with a knee injury after a bad fall early in the fourth set. It is reportedly feared to be an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury.
Last season's Best Blocker finished with 13 points, including 10 kills, despite being stretchered off the court and visibly in a great deal of pain.
The game was so close between two inspired squads that the last two sets had extended deuces, with the fourth reaching up to 34 points.
Jessica Galanza led the Lady Falcons with 24 points which included a pair of aces. Mylene Paat and Amanda Villanueva scored 19 and 15 markers, respectively.
Adamson managed to stay in the game largely by their defense. They bested UP in excellent digs (41-35) and receptions (27-15).
The fast-rising Lady Maroons, despite losing Bersola, climbed to a 3-4 slate, good for solo third place in the standings behind the 5-0 Ateneo and 6-0 La Salle.
Adamson slipped to 3-3 in a 3-way log jam for fourth place with FEU and NU. – Rappler.com
