SAN JUAN, Philippines – Playing without the services of stalwart Isa Molde, the UP Lady Maroons were able to grind out a tightly contested victory against the UE Lady Warriors in four sets, 25-23, 20-25, 25-23, 24-26, 15-11, in the 81st UAAP women’s volleyball tourney at the FilOil Flying V Centre on Wednesday.
Marian Buitre, who replaced Molde in the starting lineup, contributed big to the hard-fought win. Buitre finished with a team-high 19 points.
Meanwhile, big games from Marist Layug and Rosie Rosier also helped the Diliman squad overcome the tough UE challenge. The duo combined for 21 points.
Skipper Tots Carlos did everything for the Lady Maroons, notching a triple-double with 16 points, 24 excellent digs and 24 excellent receptions.
Mean Menendrez and Judth Abil were go-to scorers for the UE side with 23 and 22 points, respectively.
UP improves to a 6-4 record while UE drops to 2-8, forcing them to the brink of elimination.