Barely facing any resistance, the University of Santo Tomas Golden Tigresses scored a quick win over the Adamson University Lady Falcons, 25-15, 25-12, 25-16, in the UAAP Season 81 Women’s Volleyball tournament at the FilOil Flying V Centre.
The straight-sets affair was a stark contrast to UST’s grueling five-set triumph over Adamson in the first round that lasted nearly three hours.
“Siguro, mas may composure na kami ngayon compared noong first round,” said UST head coach Kungfu Reyes.
“Mas decisive na kami gumalaw sa loob. Mas nagkaroon na ng maturity kami as a team kasi may chemistry na, and malaking bagay na may experience na ‘yung younger players namin,” the national youth team mentor added.
UST built a 20-10 lead in the first set, a 21-10 gap in the second frame, then a 19-10 gap in the third set to quickly upend the Lady Falcons.
Eya Laure led all scorers with 17 points. Middle blocker Cait Viray poured in a career-high 14 points from nine attacks, three blocks, and two aces.
This is Adamson’s eighth loss in nine matches. It puts them on the brink of officially being eliminated from Final Four contention.
No Lady Falcon reached double-digits, with graduating middle blocker Joy Dacoron providing eight points.
UST (6-3) next take on the De La Salle University Lady Spikers (5-3), while Adamson (1-8) face the National University Lady Bulldogs (2-6) on Sunday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
The Scores
UST (3) – Laure 17, Viray 14, Pacres 12, Rondina 10, Galdones 7, Jimenez 2, Bicar 0, Galanza 0, Roldan 0, Delerio (L)
AdU (0) – Dacoron 8, Permentilla 5, Ave 3, Flora 2, Perez 2, Soyud 2, Pinar 1, Genesis 0, Igao 0, Yandoc 0, Ponce (L)
