Gutierrez stars as UST turns back ‘resilient’ UP in UAAP volleyball

MANILA, Philippines — University of Santo Tomas turned back a pesky University of the Philippines side, 25-15, 22-25, 25-21, 25-22, Wednesday in the UAAP season 76 women’s volleyball tournament.

The Tigresses leaned on the spark from Jem Gutierrez and Chlodia Cortez in the pivotal fourth set to hold off the Lady Maroons, whose defense kept up with UST’s attack, for good.

“They’re resilient,” said head coach Odjie Mamon of UP. “They’re big, tall and their defense is tailor-made for our offense.”

UP, which took the second set 25-22, was even on the lead early in the fourth, 12-10, before UST snatched the lead on efforts from Cortez, who came off the bench.

Cortez, who had five points, gave UST an 18-13 lead, but the Maroons still crawled closer and engaged the Tigresses in long, spirited rallies.

But the Tigresses remained closely ahead, with Gutierrez providing the finishing touches including a crucial hit to put them in match point. A failed attack from UP sealed UST’s first win.

“At least we were able to pull through in this game,” said Mamon, who thought his star Pam Lastimosa played too “soft.”

It was a good thing the sophomore Gutierrez stepped up big for the Tigresses in their first match, leading all scorers with 20 points on 17 attacks

“I hope she sustains her confidence,” Mamon said. “I talked to her last night and told her she’s qualified, that’s why she’s in the team.”

Carmela Tunay added 17 for UST, Lastimosa also had 12.

Katherine Bersola, meanwhile, had 13 points for the tough Lady Maroons, whose made up mostly of sophomores, while Chester Tanika Ong added 10, all from attacks.