UST Tigresses off to 0-2 start in UAAP volleyball

University of Santo Tomas’ first game in the UAAP Season 78 women’s volleyball tournament was the epitome of the word “almost.”

The Golden Tigresses came back from two sets down against Adamson only to falter in the decider and on Sunday it was almost the same scenario.

Ateneo had a two set lead in the match but UST roared back in the third to force a fourth period, but extending the game to an extra set was all the Golden Tigresses could do. 

“We weren’t able to hold on. We lost our commitment with the ball and it took too long before the fourth set started and it also had a big effect on us,” Reyes said after UST’s 25-22, 25-20, 21-25, 25-15 loss.

What was supposed to be a three-minute break in between the sets turned into more than a 10-minute stoppage due to technical difficulties.

Reyes said the long lull disrupted his team’s momentum, but he refuses to make it as an excuse for the loss.

“Our adrenaline was high but it took a dip after,” Reyes said. “We really dominated the third set with our blocking and that’s what we’re going to do in the fourth set but the tempo changed.”

“You can’t say we got contented with our third set. The momentum changed and it happens. The team that wants to win will be the team that dominates inside the court and in this case, Ateneo won.”