Barely facing a deficit throughout the match, the University of Santo Tomas Golden Tigresses made short work of the Colegio San Agustin-Biñan Eagles, 25-12, 25-13, 25-10, in the opening day of the Philippine Superliga Collegiate Grand Slam at the Ynares Sports Arena.
The Tigresses trailed only twice, facing a 0-2 deficit in the first set before trailing 6-9 in the second frame. In each instance, UST went on decisive runs to close the gap and gain huge leads. By the third set, the Tigresses had the match in hand after sprinting to a 12-5 advantage.
“Magandang start para sa amin ito kasi nga ginaganit namin itong opportunity para makakuha ng experience ‘yung mga bata naming players,” said UST head coach Kungfu Reyes as he fielded 11 rookies and just three upperclassmen for the tournament. “Marami kaming binibigyan ng chance para makita kung kaya nila tapatan o higitan ‘yung mga nasa lineup namin last year sa UAAP.”
Eya Laure, Milena Alessandrini and Caitlyn Viray each managed eight points for UST. The Tigresses bombed CSA in each scoring skill, including a jarring 12-0 ace tally.
Lency Duarte and Erika Rivera each tallied four points for CSA.
The Scores
UST (3) – Alessandrini 8, Laure 8, Viray 8, Francisco 7, Viray 7, Galdones 6, Galanza 3, Mangulabnan 3, Balcorta 2, Tuazon 1, Victoria 1, Delerio (L), Martin (L)
CSA-B (0) – Duarte 4, Rivera 4, Marce 3, Torres 3, Flores 2, Lacambra 1, Alfaro 0, Duran 0, Hammond 0, Parrel 0, De Leon (L), Delos Santos (L)
