UE spikers outclass Tams in UAAP volley

MANILA, Philippines - Giant-killer University of the East raced to its best start in four years after a 26-24, 25-19, 17-25, 25-22 drubbing of Far Eastern U yesterday in the UAAP Season 73 women’s volleyball tournament at The Arena.

Fresh from their 12-25, 25-20, 25-21, 13-25, 15-13 disposal of fancied Ateneo over the weekend, the Lady Warriors drubbed the Lady Tams in four sets to post their second straight win.

At 2-1 and at third spot, the Recto-based volleybelles matched their initial three-game record back in 2006 with Suzanne Roces as anchor, and now surpassed their one-win output last season.

“They showed a lot of teamwork and played very organized,” said coach Vangie de Jesus of UE, whose lone loss came from University of the Philippines in their first outing.

“I didn’t expect us to be at this position at this stage but as long as the girls are out there fighting, I’m happy.”

Mary Cristel Rosale, heroine of UE’s five-set thriller over last season’s third placer Lady Eagles, once again provided the spark for the Lady Warriors, following up a 25-point performance with 24 markers off 22 attacks and two blocks.

Jimberly Dawn Dizon added 11 hits.

The Lady Tams , who got 20 points from rookie Rosemarie Vargas, remained at the bottom with 0-3.

Pacesetting La Salle and defending men’s champion University of Sto. Tomas, meanwhile, maintained their clean slates after turning back separate foes .

The Green Archers pounced on 35 errors committed by Adamson to hack out a 25-17, 22-25, 26-24, 25-22 verdict that cemented their hold of the lead at 4-0.

The four-peat-seeking Tigers, for their part, dominated the UP Fighting Maroons, 25-23, 25-23, 25-23, to stay within striking distance of DLSU with 3-0.

Adamson slipped to 1-2 while UP went 0-3.