With the arrival of Eya Laure in the 2019 PVL Collegiate Conference, the University of Santo Tomas Golden Tigresses ran roughshod over the Technological Institute of the Philippines Lady Engineers, 25-11, 25-9, 25-11, Sunday at the FilOil Flying V Centre.
“Malaking bagay para sa amin. ‘Yun nga, unti-unting nabubuo ang tropa so mas malaking bagay ‘yun, dun kami sa magandang output,” UST head coach Kungfu Reyes said.
The younger Laure and Joyce Abueg finished with eight markers apiece to spearhead a balanced offensive thrust for the Golden Tigresses, who rose to a 3-0 card. They also helped UST tighten its hold of a solo lead in Pool B and secure at least a playoff for a semis spot.
Imee Hernandez supplied seven markers — spiked by three blocks. Rachelle Roldan waxed hot from the service area, netting all of her six points via aces. Meanwhile, Janna Torres also had six markers, a pair of which coming from kill blocks.
EJ Laure, who shared the court with her younger sister for the first time in three years, managed a point in their much-awaited reunion.
Maji Mangulabnan tossed 13 excellent sets for the Golden Tigresses, who saw 11 players tally a point in the straight-set drubbing.
On the other hand, the Lady Engineers bowed out of semifinals contention after losing all of their three matches.
Wielyn Margallo and Ashley Jinon topped TIP with seven markers each.
The Golden Tigresses shall next face UAAP rival FEU while the Lady Engineers seek to barge into the win column against Lyceum. Both matches will be played on Sunday at the same venue.
