MANILA, Philippines — University of Santo Tomas dished out the defensive game it wanted as the Tigresses carved out a surprise 25-19, 25-22, 25-19 shutout of the Ateneo Lady Eagles Sunday in the Shakey’s V-League Season 11 First Conference at Filoil Flying V Arena.
Rookie Ennajie Laure starred anew with 16 points and the Tigresses also posted 12 blocks against the Lady Eagles’ three in the upset that assured UST a Final Four berth.
“I keep telling my players that blocking will help us in this game and it did,” said UST coach Odjie Mamon.
The Tigresses, who stretched their winning streak to five, grabbed the top spot in Group 1 at 2-0 and left the UAAP champion Lady Eagles (1-2) waiting for their semifinal fate.
In Group 2, Far Eastern University kept its Final Four hopes alive by downing St. Benilde in straight sets, 25-18, 25-18, 25-17.
Newly tapped FEU reinforcements Rachel Anne Daquis and Jovelyn Gonzaga made a quick impact by teaming up for 20 points.
“Their addition helped us big in this win,” FEU coach Shaq delos Santos said of the veteran duo.
Pam Lastimosa fired 13 points and Marivic Meneses scored half of her 10 points off blocks to help the Tigresses get past the Lady Eagles.
Hit by injuries, the Lady Eagles must hope that Adamson beats Davao on Thursday to stay in semifinal contention.
Alyssa Valdez and Michelle Morente paced the Lady Eagles with 11 points each, but the squad struggled minus their injured veterans Ella de Jesus (stress fracture), Denden Lazaro (sprained ankle) and Marge Tejada (knee injury).
Bernadette Pons got the Lady Tamaraws off to a strong start before finishing with a team-high 17 points, 15 coming off attacks.
Mary Remy Joy Palma had 10 kills and a pair of blocks for a 12-point effort that helped the Lady Tamaraws improve to a 1-1 slate.
The Lady Blazers virtually bowed out of contention with a 0-2 card.