UST still in UAAP Final 4 hunt after win over Adamson

UST Tigresses. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

University of Santo Tomas remained in contention for that coveted Final Four spot in the UAAP Season 78 women’s volleyball tournament after dispatching Adamson University, 25-21, 17-25, 20-25, 25-23, 15-12, in thrilling fashion Wednesday at San Juan Arena.

Carmela Tunay rose up for the defensive stop to block Jema Galanza and give the Golden Tigresses the 5-5 record.

UST is now level with Far Eastern University and National University in the win-loss card with all three vying for that number four spot in the standings behind defending champions Ateneo, runners-up De La Salle, and University of the Philippines.

Golden Tigresses head coach Kung Fu Reyes described his season as a carnival ride; There a few ups but lots of downs.

“Sa amin kasi parang roller coaster ride minsan, hindi ko na ma enjoy yung sakay, masakit na sa ulo, maganda muna tapos bababa,” Reyes said. “Frustrating sa side na yun kasi every time we’re losing di sila nag pe perform nang maayos.”

Still, Reyes remains optimistic he could right their trajectory for the last four games of the season.

“Ito na turning point namin para maka abot pa sa top four.”

Jessey De Leon gave UST the 14-12 match point with a quick hit down the middle.

Sophomores Cherry Rondina and EJ Laure once again proved devastating for UST putting up 21 points each while De Leon had 11.

May Roque led the 3-7 Lady Falcons with 21 points while Jema Galanza and Mylene Paat had 17 and 11 points, respectively.