A three-hour marathon transpired on Thursday evening as University of Santo Tomas engaged in a five-set thriller against De La Salle University.
The Golden Tigresses served as the bane for the Lady Spikers once again after coming out on top, 26-24, 22-25, 25-27, 25-23, 15-12, to grab their third win of the season.
Eya Laure starred anew after exploding for 28 points on 23 attacks, three aces, and two blocks. Aside from her high-scoring output, the timely contributions of her teammates also served as a key factor in allowing UST to complete its comeback and carve out a come-from-behind victory.
Yssa Jimenez contributed 13 points on 11 attacks while KC Galdones and Camille Victoria both produced 11 points apiece.
A 20-year old rookie in Taps Tapia also made her presence felt after stepping up when Laure was at the backrow midway through the fifth set.
The 5-foot-4 open hitter also made crucial services to sustain the Tigresses’ 8-1 run towards the end as she finished with a total of four points.
UST head coach Kungfu Reyes only had good words to say after seeing the rest of his players deliver on the court when their numbers were called, especially in the crucial stages of the game.
“Yun ‘yung pinaka-support system na hinahanap namin sa ngayon. Lagi namin nireremind na that’s why nandito sila sa lineup — that’s why nandito sila sa court — na kailangan nila mag-deliver. And from time to time na nireremind namin sila na talagang kailangan sila ng team,” he shared.
“Tulad niyan may nag-baback down, kailangan namin ng suporta galing sa labas so madami kaming ikot ng tao, kumbaga, nagtitiwala kami na lahat ng team members is may kanya-kanyang role na ginagampanan.,” he continued.
“So this time, luckily, si Ypril [Tapia] is talagang nag-step up. The moment na ilaro mo, ipasok mo, so merong impact agad so ‘yun ‘yung pinakamaganda.”
High is Reyes on Tapia, a rookie out of First City Providential College.
In fact, the high-leaping, pint-sized spiker reminds the UST head coach of a legend in the school — UAAP Season 81 Indoor Volleyball MVP Cherry Rondina.
“All out din talaga yung bata, alam niya na medyo di siya ganon katangkaran, kaya talaga ‘yung sipag, bilis, yung leaping ability niya andun,” said Reyes. “Pero, ang pinaka di mo matatawaran sa kanya is yung fighting spirit niya. Kung gaano siya ka-liit, ganon naman kalaki ang puso niya. ‘Yun ang pinaka importante, ‘yun ang mas dinedevelop natin mga player.
“Hopefully, malagpasan niya pa. Iba tong talent nitong bata na to. Despite on her second year sa collegiate, sa academic niya first time sa UAAP, so malaki yung potential.”
Eya Laure, who had a chance to play with Rondina in Season 81, could not help but marvel at Tapia.
“Sisi 2.0,” said Laure.
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