After a disappointing loss last Wednesday, the University of Santo Tomas Golden Tigresses regained their luster, handling the short-handed University of the Philippines Lady Maroons, 21-25, 25-22, 25-16, 25-20, for their second win of UAAP Season 81 at the FilOil Flying V Centre.
A close first set swung to UP’s favor after a string of UST errors gave them an 18-13 advantage. Rookie Kacey Galdones gave UST room for a comeback, sparking a rally with her serving. Another stream of UST errors then pushed the Lady Maroons on top, 23-19, and to the first set win, as UST’s Caitlyn Viray served out for the last point.
Another tight second set came down to errors, as UP’s miscues propelled UST from an 18-all tie to a 21-18 advantage. From there, UST’s Sisi Rondina took charge, scoring thrice to stave off UP’s rally.
The Tigresses then thoroughly stifled the Lady Maroons in the third set, as inconsistent UP passing led to an insurmountable 21-8 UST lead.
UP had the inside track to a fifth set, grabbing a 5-2 lead to start the fourth set thanks to kills from Tots Carlos and Marist Layug. However, UST’s offense mustered another burst. Anchored by Rondina’s explosive attacking, the Tigresses nipped at UP’s defense and took a 17-12 lead. As UP rallied to trim the deficit to two, 18-16, an injury to open hitter Justine Dorog derailed their run. UST quickly rattled off four straight points.
UST’s high-scoring trio led starred in the win. Milena Alessandrini powered in 22 points, while Eya Laure managed 18. Sisi Rondina added 17.
Tigresses head coach Kungfu Reyes admitted his team needed to adjust to UP missing starting setter Ayel Estrañero.
“So medyo nagulat nga kami kanina kasi wala nga si Ayel (Estrañero). Magaling din kasi si (Marianne) Sotomil na pumalit sa kaniya. Kami naman, nag-adjust kami. Slow start, pero sinbabi namin sa players na mag-focus lang sa kung ano ang dapat namin gawin and ‘wag masyado tumingin sa ginagawa ng kalaban,” said Reyes.
Sotomil tossed 32 excellent sets in her first start. Tots Carlos did most of the damage, scoring 20 points, while Isa Molde finished with 13 points and 14 digs.
Both teams play their next matches on Saturday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. UST (2-1) take on the Far Eastern University Lady Tamaraws (1-1). Meanwhile, UP (2-1) will face the De La Salle University Lady Spikers (2-0).
The Scores
UST (3) – Alessandrini 22, Laure 18, Rondina 17, Galdones 7, Galanza 3, Balcorta 1, Bicar 1, Viray 1, Jimenez 0, Roldan 0, Delerio (L)
UP (1) – Carlos 20, Molde 13, Dorog 10, Gannaban 6, Layug 6, Buitre 0, Ramos 0, Sandoval 0, Sotomil 0, Altomea (L)
