By NIKOLE JAVIER
University of the Philippines bucked a slow start and completed a five-set win over Perpetual, 10-25, 25-23, 22-25, 25-15, 15-10, in the Shakey’s Super League Collegiate Pre-season Conference Sunday, Oct. 2, at the Rizal Memorial Stadium in Manila.
The Lady Maroons couldn’t find their tempo in the opening period with rookie Shaila Omipon leading the way for the Lady Altas but fought hard in the succeeding sets to eke out their first win of the season.
Another rookie standout Alyssa Bertolano paved the way for the Lady Maroons with 19 points off 16 attacks and three aces.
The Lady Altas, on the other end, who are coming off their straight-set victory against University of the East, 25-22, 27-25, 25-16, now fell to a 2-1 record in Pool A.
UP buckled up for the closing set with Bertolano landing two consecutive aces to allow her team a strong start, 4-1.
Perpetual inched closer to UP with a 7-all deadlock after the former’s reception error but was no match for Bertolano who quickly delivered another blow to retake the lead.
Omipon tried to crawl back into the game but the Lady Altas’ two consecutive service errors didn’t help.
Ethan Arce, meanwhile, didn’t waste time and delivered back-to-back points courtesy of her quick hit and service ace to seal the game for UP.
UP will take on UAAP rival UE on Sunday, Oct. 9 at 3 p.m.