V-League: UST ensures quarterfinals spot, edges TIP

UST wall of defense. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

University of Santo Tomas proved third time’s the charm as it ensured a quarterfinals spot in the Shakey’s V-League Collegiate Conference at the expense of Technological Institute of the Philippines, 25-16, 25-19, 24-26, 25-14, Sunday at San Juan Arena.

It was the Golden Tigresses’ third win in a row, after losing their opener against Ateneo, for a 3-1 win-loss record in Group B.

Pamela Lastimosa shook off cobwebs she sustained in the third set with a powerful through the block attack that sealed the Thomasian victory.

UST was in the midst of a TIP counterattack in the third set when Lastimosa and teammate Carmela Tunay collided with each other with the latter getting rushed to the UST Hospital for further treatment.

READ: Tunay rushed to hospital after nasty collision with Lastimosa

Golden Tigresses head coach Kung Fu Reyes said TIP’s explosion was the Lady Engineers’ brand and they needed the fourth set to show the Golden Tigresses’ better game.

“TIP played well, that’s how they play. Sometimes they don’t show some movements, but when they do move, they’re pretty good,” Reyes said. “How did TIP win? Because we lacked in so many areas, including communication.”

“It’s hard to explain when you’re up 2-0 and get subjected to your opponent’s comeback.”

UST fell behind early against a rejuvenated TIP in the third set with Tunay injury was too much to handle.

From attacking to defense, the Golden Tigresses had the higher marks with 49 spikes, 11 blocks, and 10 service aces compared to the Lady Engineers’ 32 spikes, three blocks, and eight service aces.

UST, however, showed its lack of communication with 32 errors compared to TIP’s 29.

EJ Laure led UST with 18 points while Lastimosa and Chloe Cortez added 14 and 10 respectively.

Tunay had eight points before her exit.

Hezzymei Acuña led the 1-3 TIP with 13 points. CFC