UST Growling Tigresses in the UAAP Season 84. UAAP PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines — Eya Laure and Camille Victoria propelled University of Santo Tomas to a convincing 25-23, 25-20, 25-21 victory over Far Eastern University in the UAAP Season 84 women’s volleyball tournament opener on Thursday at Mall of Asia Arena.
Laure made a rousing return from a two-year pandemic layoff, nailing 13 kills to finish with game-high 14 points to go with nine excellent digs.
Victoria was a revelation for the Tigresses as she delivered 12 points in her first UAAP career start to beat the Lady Tamaraws in one hour and 42 minutes.
UST and FEU raised the curtain of collegiate volleyball’s reopening since both squads played the last UAAP on March 8, 2020 before the COVID-19 pandemic wiped out the remainder of Season 82.
“We had mixed emotions. We were excited and nervous. But we are really happy for the volleyball community and for these young players,” said UST coach KungFu Reyes in Filipino. “We closed the season two years ago. We really missed this feeling. Now that we’re back, these young players are more motivated to start their lives as student-athletes again.”
UST coaches carry Imee Hernandez off the court after hurting her ankle. | @LanceAgcaoilINQ pic.twitter.com/FhtTA6Ph4a
— INQUIRER Sports (@INQUIRERSports) May 5, 2022
However, the Tigresses middle blocker Imee Hernandez sustained a left ankle injury from a bad landing in the first set when UST led 12-9. The former women’s national team member was carried off the court and was unable to return.
Setter Majie Mangulabnan dished out 15 excellent sets and fired four aces, while rookie libero Bernadett Pepito protected the floor with 12 digs and nine excellent receptions.
FEU leaned on skipper Lycha Ebon with nine points, while Chenie Tagaod added seven markers as their young team gave up 31 errors.