With Final 4 within reach, Tigresses vow to go all out in last 2 games

Cherry Rondina, left, and Eya Laure celebrate a point. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines—University of Santo Tomas is about to go full steam ahead with two games remaining in its schedule in the UAAP Season 81 women’s volleyball tournament.

The Golden Tigresses scored an inspirational sweep of University of the Philippines, 25-21, 25-12, 26-24, and improved to an 8-4 record Wednesday at Filoil Flying V Center, solidifying their place at the top four of the standings.

Captain Cherry Rondina said her team’s final two games of the season is where the Golden Tigresses would ultimately go all out in their rabid run to the Final Four.

“If we can win our remaining games then I’d be okay with that,” said Rondina in Filipino. “It would great for us if we can reach the top because that’s what we really want.”

“We can’t turn it down one but, we’ll give it our all in training,” added Rondina who finished with 20 points against the Lady Maroons.

UST’s win pushed it to a tie of the third spot with Far Eastern University leaving UP at the fifth spot with a 6-6 card.

The Golden Tigresses would then need just one more win to secure their slot in the big dance.

“In my opinion, once we get complacent, everything will be taken away from us so we’re always holding on that we know we can do this,” said Rondina. “We can’t get anything if we don’t work for it.”

Luckily for Rondina, she won’t have to carry UST on her own.

Rookie star Eya Laure vowed since her first day with UST’s senior team that she would support Rondina and give the graduating captain the best exit possible.

“I don’t want to show Ate Sisi that all we’re doing is just for the eliminations,” said Laure in Filipino.

Laure, who finished with 11 points against UP, is the league’s second leading scorer with a total of 200 points while Rondina is atop the Best Scorers table with 217 points.

“When I entered the UAAP’s senior division, I told Ate Sisi we would give her what she deserves. It’s not just me but everyone of us will support her,” said Laure.