UE overwhelms Letran to force three-way tie
UNIVERSITY of the East forced a three-way tie in second place after defeating Letran 25-9, 25-23, 22-25, 25-16, in the V-League Collegiate Challenge at the Paco Arena on Sunday.
The Lady Warriors ended the week with back-to-back victories to crash into the top four with one match remaining in the preliminary round.
With a 3-2 record, UE is now level with Far Eastern University and University of the Philippines, behind University of Santo Tomas’ perfect 4-0 slate.
The Lady Warriors now brace for a crucial match against the Lady Tamaraws on Sunday at 12 noon, a match expected to have significant semifinals race implications in the women’s division.
Playmaker Kizzie Madriaga orchestrated the offense well for UE with 18 excellent sets and added two points, while Khy Cepada shone again with 19 points, including four service aces, along with 12 receptions.
“I’m happy. We still have a lot to work on. The girls mentally played well today, and that’s what I’ve been concerned about, even with the last win, I felt that mentally, we weren’t as strong,” said Lady Warriors coach Obet Vital. “Today, they played with mental toughness. A lot better, energy was up, and that’s what makes the difference.”
UE scrambled past Lyceum of the Philippines University last Wednesday.
Kayce Balingit added 12 points, Riza Nogales had two blocks for a 10-point outing while libero Ange Reyes collected 12 digs for the Lady Warriors.
The Lady Knights, who dropped to 1-3 overall, are now hard-pressed to reach the semis as the NCAA Season 99 runners-up will next face the undefeated Tigresses tomorrow at 12 noon.
Judiel Nitura led Letran with 14 points, including two service aces, while rookie Sheena Sarie added nine points and six digs.