UST Tigresses. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
University of Santo Tomas pulled off a 21-25, 25-21, 25-23, 25-13 upset of Bali Pure in the Shakey’s V-League Reinforced Conference Saturday ay Philsports Arena.
The Golden Tigresses, who played without Cherry Rondina, shocked the Water Defenders who had the services of two imports Kalyee Manns and Katherine Morrell.
UST head coach Kung Fu Reyes, who got a yellow card in the match after berating one of the officials, fired up his team and showed they are capable of winning against a veteran team like the Water Defenders.
“Alam na nila kung paano manalo, gagawin na lang is trabahuhin,” said Reyes whose team now holds a 3-0 record. “Nagawan namin ng paraan especially sa third set dun na bumagsak balikat ni Bali Pure, talagang tyinaga na nung mga bata.”
Mary Pacres, who came off the bench in all of the four sets, played closer for the Golden Tigresses when her hit bounced off the defense of Mae Tajima ultimately sealed UST’s victory.
EJ Laure had a team-high 23 points for UST while Carla Sandoval and the returning captain Pam Lastimosa added 12 and 11 points, respectively.
Ria Meneses also finished in double figures for UST with 10 points.
Morrell had a game-high 25 points to lead the Water Defenders while Dzi Gervacio had 10.