University of Santo Tomas booked the third semifinals ticket in the UAAP Season 84 women’s volleyball tournament after beating University of the East, 26-24, 25-18, 25-19, Tuesday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
The Golden Tigresses improved to 9-4, still at the third seed. Fifth-running Adamson University can only reach eight wins at maximum.
Ypril Tapia led the balanced attack of UST with 13 points, all from attacks, while Eya Laure did it all with 12 points, 12 excellent receptions, and seven digs.
“‘Yung composure din kasi ng mga bata nangyayari talaga yan. Niremind na lang din namin na simula’t sapul aggressive sila all the time,” said UST assistant coach Yani Fernandez, who took the helm in place of head tactician Kung Fu Reyes who was not around for personal reasons.
With UE at set point in the first frame, Imee Hernandez extended it with a quick attack before Ja Lana committed back-to-back errors to give UST the early upper hand, 26-24.
Down by a point in the second period, the Golden Tigresses finished it with a 10-2 blast, capped by Mafe Galanza’s dump, for the 2-0 set lead, 25-18.
Trailing 17-18 in the third, UST unleashed an 8-1 closing kick capped by a strong hit by Ysa Jimenez, for the sweep, 25-19.
“Tinulungan namin na makalapit si UE dahil parang nasa 25 errors yata kami kaya dumikit din ‘yung score nila,” said Fernandez as UST committed 27 errors.
KC Galdones added 11 points for the Golden Tigresses, earning the player of the game honors.
None reached double figures for UE as Ja Lana got nine points while Dara Nieva tallied eight points and 13 excellent receptions.
The Lady Warriors fell to 0-13.
UST will try to play spoiler on outright Finals berth-seeking National University on Thursday at 4 pm. UE will try to end the season on a good note against fellow also-ran schol Far Eastern University at 10 am.
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