Continuing their hot streak in the UAAP Season 81 Women’s Volleyball tournament, the University of Santo Tomas Golden Tigresses outlasted the National University Lady Bulldogs, 26-24, 25-17, 23-25, 25-17, at the FilOil Flying V Centre.
The Tigresses crawled back from a 19-12 NU lead in the third set and forced a steady exchange in the crucial moments. Tied at 22, National U pulled ahead. Princess Robles bested Eya Laure in an exchange of attacks, powering in three straight to extend the match.
UST then let no such late run happen in the fourth set. With rookie Mafe Galanza at the service line, UST rolled to a 21-10 lead, only halted when Galanza served long. Robles led a run that pulled NU closer, 23-17, and forced UST to call a timeout. But Laure and Dimdim Pacres closed the match with a pair of smashes.
“Napakalaking bagay ‘yung back-to-back na panalo para sa amin, kasi importante ‘yun sa morale ng mga bata. Naka-recover na kami sa last few games na nadisgrasya kami,” said UST head coach Kungfu Reyes.
“Medyo may pagkakamali kami noong third set, pero ‘yun ‘yung mga bagay na alam naming kaya namin i-polish,” the youth national team head coach added.
Laure finished with 20 points, while graduating captain Sisi Rondina added 16 points. Dimdim Pacres managed 12 points and 15 digs.
Robles and fellow rookie Ivy Lacsina topped the Lady Bulldogs with 14 points each, while veteran Audrey Paran tallied 10.
UST (4-2) finish their first-round campaign on Saturday against the University of the East Lady Warriors (1-5). Meanwhile, National U (1-4) take on University of the Philippines Lady Maroons (3-1) on Wednesday. Both matches will be played at the FilOil Flying V Centre.
The Scores
UST (3) – Laure 20, Rondina 16, Pacres 12, Galdones 6, Viray 5, Galanza 2, Bicar 0, Jimenez 0, Rivera 0, Delerio (L)
NU (1) – Lacsina 14, Robles 14, Paran 10, Doria 9, Luceno 7, Landicho 0, Orillaneda 0, Nierva (L)
