UST tests FEU, La Salle stakes unbeaten record vs UP

Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

For University of Santo Tomas coach Kungfu Reyes, the only thing that hinders the Tigresses from reaching full their potential is mind-set.

“The problem with us is we dwell on our mistakes too long and carry them to the next set,” said Reyes in Filipino. “Sometimes we need ‘henyo moves’ to pull off victories.”

The Tigresses may need more of those game smarts if they want their old glory to resurface.

UST, who only made the Final Four once in the last three seasons, faces a stern test when it takes on an equally tough former powerhouse Far Eastern University on Saturday in the UAAP women’s volleyball at Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The clash of traditional collegiate heavyweights is expected to steal some of the spotlight off the marquee match, where unbeaten La Salle tests the mettle of a University of the Philippines team trying to bounce back from a stinging loss in the other match of the double-header starting at 2 p.m.

UP, one of the pretournament favorites after winning two crowns during the varsity offseason, is coming off a loss to UST and the Lady Maroons will try to calm themselves in front of the rampaging defending champions.

“Our coach told us to take it easy,” said UP star Tots Carlos. “No pressure for us, but our goal is to beat beat La Salle by playing our own game.”

UST will also try to play to its new identity—something that the Tigresses are only starting to warm up to.

They have found some spunk and mental strength, attributes that have benefited rising middle blocker Milena Alessandrini. The awkward 6-foot-2 sophomore is just beginning to gain confidence commensurate to her big talent.

“I’d like to thank my teams, players, coaches and officials for helping me stay positive,” said Alessandrini, who drilled in 22 points against the Lady Maroons. “But I know we have to maintain that attitude.”

Against the Lady Tamaraws, they do. FEU is smarting from a defeat at the hands of Ateneo in a match where the Lady Tamaraws were leading two sets to none.

“We are staying positive. It’s still a long tournament,” said FEU coach George Pascua. “We just to need to develop our killer instinct.”