The University of Santo Tomas Golden Tigresses let a straight-set win slip away, but still overcame league cellar-dwellers Adamson University Lady Falcons, 25-12, 25-18, 22-25, 25-19, to remain in the Final Four hunt at the FilOil Flying V Centre.
After taking the first two sets handily, UST let Adamson keep the third set close. Tied at 20, the Tigresses’ service reception fell apart and allowed the Lady Falcons to take a 24-20 lead. Saving two set points, UST lost the set via an Ej Laure attack error.
The fourth set, however, was not as close, as UST cruised to a double-digit lead and the win. According to UST head coach Kungfu Reyes, the Tigresses were battling their own over-eagerness.
“Nadoon na kami [sa level na hinahanap ko], kaso gigil lang talaga kami kanina. ‘Yun talaga, ang gusto namin sa kanila ngayon makuha nila ‘yung tamang attitude at consistency sa bawat game,” Reyes told the media after he game.
Cherry Rondina led the Tigresses with 18 points, while Ej Laure added 14.
UST improve to a 6-4 record and face the Far Eastern University Lady Tamaraws (5-4) on Saturday at the FilOil Flying V Centre.
For the first time this season, two Lady Falcons scored in double-digits, with Jema Galanza powering in 16 points and Joy Dacoron scoring a season-high 11.
The Lady Falcons fell to 0-10 and take on the University of the Philippines Lady Maroons (5-4) on Wednesday at the FilOil Flying V Centre.
The Scores
UST (3) – Rondina 18, Laure 14, Lastimosa 11, Meneses 11, Cortez 5, Cabanos 4, Pacres 4, Bicar 2, Sandoval 2, Rivera (L)
AdU (1) – Galanza 16, Dacoron 11, Dahab 6, Flora 5, Joaquin 4, Momo 3, Matias 0, Mohammad 0, Uy 0, Ponce (L)
