Right off the bat, the Fighting Maroons were eager to clinch the win on the opening day of the volleyball tournament after securing a 2-0 set advantage.

Things spiced up as the Red Warriors rallied back in the third frame and pushed for a 21-all deadlock, but Bertolano was unstoppable as she delivered back-to-back points for a 23-21 lead.

Apple Lingay carried the UE’s momentum with a rejection of Jewel Encarnacion’s attack tying the scores at 23-all.

Still, the 19-year-old rookie Bertolano who scored game-high 20 points built on 18 attacks, and one block proved that she was invincible as she scored off a spike and a game-winning ace to complete the Fighting Maroons’ first victory in one hour and 31 minutes.

Irah Jaboneta added 13 markers off attacks, as Lorie Bernardo and Encarnacion both scored six apiece.

Janine Lana led UE with 16 points along with 10 excellent receptions, while Lingay had 12 points and 7 excellent digs.

UP and FEU will have a square-off battle at 4 p.m. on Saturday, while UE will face UST at 6 p.m. on the same day.