UST boosts Final 4 bid; Ateneo up

University of Santo Tomas gained vital ground in the Final Four race after dismantling University of the Philippines, 25-20, 25-21, 25-16, in the UAAP Season 79 women’s volleyball tournament Sunday at Mall of Asia Arena.

Ria Meneses, EJ Laure, and Cherry Rondina led the attack as a confident Tigresses side dominated the Lady Maroons.

UST claimed the solo third spot at 8-5 behind early semifinalists Ateneo and La Salle.

UP slipped to a share of fourth at 7-6 with idle Far Eastern University and National University.

“We’re now here and we’re confident with our chances to make it to the Final Four,” UST coach Kungfu Reyes said in Filipino. “We’re going to make sure that this won’t slip out of our hands.”

UST last made it to the semifinals four years ago.

Ateneo also blew past University of the East, 25-18, 25-12, 25-10, even minus ace spiker Jho Maraguinot.

Kat Tolentino, skipper Jia Morado and Michelle Morente combined for 29 points for the Lady Eagles, who reclaimed a share of the top spot with rival La Salle at 11-2.

Dismissing talks of injury, the Ateneo coaching staff said the team just decided to give Maraguinot a day off.

“Even though Jho didn’t play the other kids played well,” said Ateneo assistant coach Sherwin Meneses, citing also the key contributions of substitutes Jules Samonte and Kim Gequillana.

Meneses, a senior middle blocker, tallied eight of the Tigresses’ 10 blocks in a 10-point outing.

Laure and Rondina teamed up for 29 points, while Chloe Cortez dished out four of UST’s nine service aces.