Unlike their match in Cagayan De Oro last Saturday, the University of Santo Tomas Golden Tigresses needed just four sets to put away the Far Eastern University Lady Tamaraws in Game One of the PVL Collegiate Conference semis, 16-25, 26-24, 25-18, 25-23, at the FilOil Flying V Centre.
After a dismal start to the match, the Tigresses regained their groove late in the second set. Down 15-18, UST rallied and took the set after a tight deuce.
The Tigresses then consistently targeted FEU’s weak receivers in the following sets, leading to a convincing third set win. The fourth frame was falling into UST’s lap as they went up, 24-20. FEU made one last run, however, almost forcing a deuce only to be stopped by Heather Guino-O’s service error.
“Sabi ko nga sa kanila better kung mananalo kami on our own point,” said UST assistant coach Ian Fernandez. “Mas okay para sa amin kung sa positive na ginawa namin kami nanalo. Pero, naging consistent naman ‘yung team, for the most part, sa ibang skills.”
Rookie sensation Eya Laure shone, tallying 19 points off 15 attacks and four blocks to lead UST. Sophomore Fil-Italian winger Milena Alessandrini added 16 points, 13 digs, and eight excellent receptions.
Jerrili Malabanan managed 10 markers, while Celine Domingo and Lycha Ebon added nine points apiece.
Game Two will be on Saturday ar the FilOil Flying V Centre.
The Scores
UST (3) – Laure 19, Alessandrini 16, Francisco 10, Jimenez 9, Bicar 4, Galdones 4, Viray 4, Sandoval 1, Galanza 0, Martin (L)
FEU (1) – Malabanan 10, Ebon 9, Domingo 9, Negrito 6, Carandang 5, Ronquillo 5, Guino-O 4, Villareal 4, Agudo 2, Cayuna 0, Hernandez 0, Duremdes (L)
