INQUIRER Sports

MANILA, Philippines -- Undefeated Santo Tomas U gained an entry into the quarterfinals after defeating Ateneo-Oracare, 25-23, 27-25, 19-25, 25-20, Tuesday in the Shakey's V-League second conference at The Arena in San Juan.

The Tigresses started strong with spikers Angeli Tabaquero and Maruja Banaticla combining for 14 attacks while team captain Aiza Maizo and Angela Ortiz stepped up on defense in the first two sets.

Ateneo anchored their comeback in the third set on strong defense blocking Banaticla's attacks. Team captain Carmina Acevedo fired 14 spikes to lead the Lady Eagles and take the third set.

Despite the consecutive errors of UST's Tabaquero in the third set, she was the game?s best scorer with 15 points as the Tigresses rebounded in the final set to assure themselves a slot in the quarterfinals.

Tigresses mentor Shaq de los Santos admitted they became complacent in the third set and that their best scorer committed unnecessary errors.

"I told Angeli (Tabaquero) that once she committed a mistake, it should be corrected not repeated," he said.

Earlier, the Adamson Lady Falcons spoiled College of St. Benilde?s V-League debut via a 25-23, 26-24, 25-16. Veteran Angela Benting rained 16 attacks on the Lady Blazers.