Hala, Bira!!: UAAP Volleyball Clash Starts: UP vs UE, NU vs ADMU

Photos by Rivals. Ph

Results:

UP def. UE in straight sets: 25-20, 25-13, 25-21

ADMU def. NU in straight sets: 25-21, 25-19, 25-14

Views:

UP Lady Maroons

They did great.

Lahat sila mentally prepared and composed para sa game. Nag-improve sila both offense and defense gawa na rin ng pagsali nila sa pre-season tourney like Shakey's V-league where they finished 3rd. I would like to commend the performances of their rookies most especially Diana Carlos and Justine Dorog. I like how Carlos spike the ball, yung full-force and she doesn't worry about her blockers. She's also good in blocking. Si Justine Dorog naman ay magaling magvary ng spikes and super madepensa. Gusto ko rin yung back quicks and running attacks niya. Even though, she only stands 5'7" (maliit kumpara sa ibang players), she still able to consistently give points to her team. Hindi ako masyado impressed sa performance ni Isabel Molde but I know that on their next games, she's going to explode.

Sa mga veterans, it's good to see the returning Kathy Bersola. You can see na magaling na ang kanyang injury because she performed well. On the other hand, Marian Buitre showed powerful spikes and perfect-timed blocks.

To conclude, I think Nicole Tiamzon needs to show her prowess in order to win their next games wherein they are going to meet more formidable opponents like De La Salle and National University.

Rookie Diana Carlos prepares a wall against UE- Photo by Arvin Lim

UE Lady Warriors

They vastly improved.

All I can say is that super tumaas ang level ng skills nila most especially in receiving, digging and blocking. Pinatutunayan lamang nito na Coach Francis Vicente really disciplined and trained her girls well. I was impressed with the performance of Roselle Baliton. Why? Mas naging quick siya gumalaw sa court and she paraded her court sense during the game. She blocked well and now knew how to save the ball also. Napansin ko din na she developed the same spiking approach like Dindin Santiago which I think was taught by Coach Francis since naging coach din sya ni Dindin way back when she was on National University.

On the other hand, Shaya Adorador and Judith Abil were the firepowers of the squad. Parehas silang high-leapers and smart when it comes to spiking. They just need to be consistent to have a chance to win on their upcoming games.

UE's celebration after Judith Abil's point - Photo by Arvin Lim

Ateneo Lady Eagles

Consistent. Composed. Communication

These are the three words that summarize their performance during the first game. Consistent kasi Jia Morado set the ball to everyone during the entire game. She didn't stick to one player rather choose to give plays to her teammates who have the strength to deliver points. Of course, Alyssa Valdez regularly scored from every angle may it be spikes, serves and blocks (Given na eh).

In addition, two rookies showed their own talents by giving big points to their squad. Maddie Madayag and Bea De Leon blocked superbly and spike amazingly, too. Jhoanna Maraguniot's name was also at the scoring board as well.

On the other hand, they are composed kasi for the first two sets ay ahead ang NU sa kanila for more than 5 points. But they just focused and motivated themselves that they need to win these game not only because they are the defending champions but also for those people who supported them. They bravely battled the odds which are against them and reached their goal. They also communicate with each other and that definitely made the difference.

Ateneo's Maddie Madayag towers over NU's late blockers- Photo by Arvin Lim

NU Lady Bulldogs

Game Jitters and Lack of Connection

Most of us anticipated that they have a big chance to win against Ateneo because they beat them last Shakey's V-league's Championship but their force does not show up during their first game.

NU's Libero Bia General wasn't fully focused on what she was doing. Yes, there are times that she dug hard balls but there were also times where she could not save those easy balls. I think she was nervous or not feeling well. Myla Pablo was also marked and have difficulty penetrating the Ateneo's defense. Top scorer siya but it was not her regular game. Jaja Santiago was also underutilized. Masyadong mabababa ang sets ni Azie Soliven sa kanya that's why it's easy for De Leon or Madayag to block her. Aiko Urdas also failed to support Pablo and Santiago as she did not provide enough points for her squad. These are reasons na kahit malaki lamang nila noong first two sets, Ateneo still managed to steal the victory from them.

The only positive thing I have seen during their game was the consistency of Jorelle Singh. I was amazed with the fact that she only stands 5"7" and chubby pa siya but still able to deliver big points for her team. She angled her spikes well and strongly hit them.