MANILA – University of Santo Tomas Golden Tigresses handed De La Salle University Lady Spikers its first defeat in the UAAP Season 85 women’s volleyball with a 25-19, 14-25, 25-18, 25-12 stunner on Sunday night at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Ejiya “Eya” Laure erupted for season-high 29 points, on 45-percent spiking efficiency, as she carried the Golden Tigresses to solo third place in the standings with a 7-3 win-loss record.
Milena Alessandrini chipped in 20 points and nine excellent receptions, rookie Regina Jurado came through with 12 points and 12 digs as libero Bernadett Pepito was a master of floor defense with 25 digs and 11 excellent receptions for UST.
After the Lady Spikers’ bounce back in the second set, the Golden Tigresses went to work in the third frame as they pulled away from a 14-all affair behind Alessandrini and Laure to give their side the 2-1 lead.
The Golden Tigresses then just ran away in the fourth with Laure, Alessandrini, and Jurado joining forces for the stunner as they also made sure that the semifinals round will be a Final Four format.
“Siyempre, kami naghahanap ng panalo, luckily tumama naman yung mga galaw though ang dami pa ring dapat i-correct. Ibabalik lang ulit namin sa training,” said Golden Tigresses head coach Kungfu Reyes.
Bacolodnon Angel Canino was the lone Lady Spiker in double figures with 13 points. Thea Gagate added nine points while Mereophe Sharma, Jolina Dela Cruz, and Jyne Soreño got eight points apiece. They dropped to 9-1.
In the first game, Far Eastern University Lady Tamaraws (5-5) recovered from a second set hiccup to clip winless University of the East Lady Warriors (0-10), 25-16, 18-25, 25-23, 25-16.
Chenie Tagaod finished with 20 points while Jovelyn Fernandez chipped in 12 points including four blocks as well, while Tin Ubaldo also tossed 17 excellent sets to go with six points.
“5-5 masarap yung pakiramdam, kulang pa pero I think para ma-sustain namin yung goal kailangan naming mag-double time ngayong break,” said Lady Tamaraws head coach Tina Salak./PN
