After a disheartening loss last Wedmesday, the Bureau of Customs Transformers bounced back with a decisive sweep of previously-undefeated University of Santo Tomas Tigresses, 25-17, 26-24, 25-15, in the Shakey’s V-League Reinforced Conference at the FilOil Flying V Centre.
The Transformers pounced on the Tigresses in the opening frame, using a late 4-0 run to build an insurmountable 17-11 lead. UST shuffled their lineup, fielding UAAP Beach Volleyball champion Cherry Rondina for the first time this conference, but the Transformers managed to keep a steady hold on the lead.
Down 5-10 in the second frame, the Tigresses received another off-the-bench boost from Rondina. UST slowly climbed back, eventually forcing an 18-all tie after a Ria Meneses block. UST then scored four straight to take a 22-20 lead. BOC team captain Alyssa Valdez powered the Transformers’ comeback, scoring off a combination play then serving an ace to break the deuce, 25-24. BOC import Kanjana Kuthaisong put away the set via a hit off two UST blockers.
The Thomasians yielded the third set quickly, allowing the Transformers to take a 19-11 lead and never look back.
“Siguro ngayon nakikita lang na nagkakaroon na kami ng kaunting chemistry. Noong una kasi medyo hirap pa kami sa pag-uusap kasi wala pa sa team ang naging magkakampe before kahit ‘yung mga imports,” said BOC head coach Sherwin Meneses.
“Hats off to my teammates talaga who gave their all para manalo kami today. Everyone really contributed and we needed it kasi UST talaga was such a strong team,” BOC team captain Alyssa Valdez added.
Three-time UAAP MVP Valdez managed a game-high 19 points off 15 attacks, two blocks, and two aces. Kuthaisong managed 16 markers.
Ej Laure and Cherry Rondina led UST with eight markers apiece.
BOC (3-1) next take on Pocari Sweat (1-1) on October 22, 6 pm. UST (4-1) face Laoag (2-1) on October 19, 6 pm. Both matches will be at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig.
The Scores
Bureau of Customs (3) – Valdez 19, Kuthaisong 16, Mabbayad 7, Vargas 5, Jaisen 3, Soriano 2, Mandapat 1, Llagoso 0, Ibisa (L)
UST (0) – Laure 8, Rondina 8, Lastimosa 6, Bicar 4, Sandoval 4, Meneses 3, Cortez 2, Francisco 2, Cabanos 0, Palec 0, Pacres 0, Rasmo (L), Rivera (L)
