UST, NU fight off foes in UAAP women’s volleyball

MANILA, Philippines – University of Santo Tomas scraped past University of East, 25-19, 25-14, 23-25, 25-22, to end its four-game losing skid Saturday in the UAAP Season 76 women’s volleyball tournament at the Filoil Flying V Arena in San Juan.

Pam Lastimosa scored 18 points to lead the Tigresses, who chalked up their third win in eight outings.

Backup setter Alex Cabanos filled in for Loren Lantin, who sprained her ankle in the opening set and would make her presence felt as she sealed UST’s victory with a drop shot to fend off the winless but gritty UE squad.

Later, National University turned back Far Eastern University, 25-18, 26-24, 25-23, behind Dindin Santiago’s 17 points and eight digs.

Myla Pablo added 12 points for the Lady Bulldogs, who owns the second-best record behind pacesetting De La Salle with a 7-1 mark.

High-leaping Bernadette Pons had 12 points and 12 digs for the Lady Tamaraws. FEU slipped to 4-4.

The Tigresses had quite a challenge from the Lady Warriors, who managed to stay in step as they pulled to within two, 22-24, and looked to forge a fifth set until Cabanos ended the match.