By Adrian Stewart Co

The University of the Philippines (UP) tarnished De La Salle University’s untarnished record with their 21-25, 25-20, 25-21, 20-25, 15-12 win the 81st UAAP women’s volleyball season over the weekend at the Smart Araneta Coluseum.

Maria Lina Molde led UP with 21 points on 17 attacks, two service aces, and a block.

After splitting the first four sets, UP surged to a 4-1 start in the fifth frame behind back-to-back hits from Aie Gannaban. However, DLSU were quick to respond, forcing a deadlock.

Consecutive hits from Molde, followed by a service ace by Bacolodnon Jessma Ramos, put UP on top at 11-8, but DLSU made its last push and forced a 12-12 count.

After DLSU’s May Luna committed an attack error, giving UP a 14-12 lead, Justine Dorog added the finishing touch for UP with an off-speed kill./ASC, WDJ