V-League: UST seals playoff for semis spot, downs UP

Make it 4-0. UST stretches its unbeaten run to four games after beating UP in three sets to assure itself of a playoff for a semifinal spot in the Shakey’s V-League Season 13 Reinforced Conference Monday, Oct. 10, 2016, at Philsports Arena in Pasig City. Mark Giongco/INQUIRER.net

University of Santo Tomas secured a playoff for a semifinals slot after downing University of the Philippines, 28-26, 25-19, 25-18, in the Shakey’s V-League Season 13 Reinforced Conference Monday night at Philsports Arena in Pasig City.

Carla Sandoval, who is filling in for Cherry Rondina, has been a revelation for the undefeated Tigresses and she continued her torrid start with 14 points.

UST hiked its league-leading record to 4-0, but its head coach Emilio “Kungfu” Reyes wants to see more from his players as the tournament goes.

“We’re still looking for consistency and so far, in our four wins we’ve only been consistent with our errors,” Reyes told reporters in Filipino.

EJ Laure added 13 points while Ria Meneses chipped in 11 for the Tigresses, who have emerged as the surprise team despite still missing the services of a key spiker in Rondina.

Rondina just wrapped up her beach volleyball stint in the UAAP on Sunday where she led UST to a title.

The Tigresses may be rolling over their opponents but it gets tougher from here with fellow unbeaten team Bureau of Customs, bannered by former three-time UAAP MVP Alyssa Valdez, next in their schedule.

“That’s what we want, to face strong teams and be tested and gain more experience,” Reyes said.

Diana Carlos led all scorers with 16 points for the Lady Maroons, who, like the Tigresses are tagged as early favorites to make the Final Four when the UAAP volleyball tournament opens in January.