UP, UST take Collegiate opener

MANILA, Philippines — University of the Philippines survived University of the East’s gritty stand in the fourth set to complete a 22-25, 25-16, 25-22, 31-29 victory at the start of the Philippine Superliga’s inaugural Collegiate Grand Slam at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig yesterday.

Aieshalaine Gannaban provided the firepower as she tied the last deadlock of the match at 29 on a running hit and sealed the win on a block after Justine Dorog put the Lady Maroons ahead 30-29 on a crosscourt shot.

In the other match, University of Santo Tomas also got off to  a strong start as it cruised past Colegio San Agustin-Biñan, 25-12, 25-13, 25-10.

UST drew eight points each from Milena Alessandrini, Eya Laure and Caitlin Viray and seven apiece from Tin Francisco and Ysabel Jimenez as they finished off CSA-Biñan in a little less than an hour.