UAAP: Rookie Kyla Cordora helps UST move closer to Final Four

UST rookie Kyla Cordora during a game against UE in UAAP Season 87.–UAAP PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines—With several of its players nursing minor injuries, University of Santo Tomas got a big lift from rookie Kyla Cordora to move closer to a Final Four spot in the UAAP Season 87 women’s volleyball tournament.

Cordora stepped up as the Golden Tigresses swept the Lady Warriors, 25-19, 25-16, 25-15 on Saturday.

“My coaches gave me great exposure today because in the first round, I wasn’t able to play because of an injury,” revealed Cordora.

READ: UAAP: Marga Altea makes most of her minutes for UST

“This is the perfect time to gain my coaches’ trust and hopefully I can give my personal best.”

Cordora made the most of her minutes with eight points and six excellent receptions, backstopping UST’s heavy hitters and powering the Golden Tigresses to 8-4 for the season.

Coach KungFu Reyes, on the other hand, explained why Cordora’s presence couldn’t have come at a better time.

“(Beth) Hilongo has a pinky strain and Bianca (Plaza) has a mild foot sprain because she stepped on a teammates’ foot during practice,” said Reyes.

READ: UAAP: UST Tigresses sweep Ateneo to boost Final Four bid

“So the new faces’ performances, in a way, were good but it’s unfortunate that we have some hurt players during games or training,” he added.

Fortunately for UST, it has time to recover with the Holy Week break coming up and won’t be back in action until April 23 against University of the Philippines at Mall of Asia Arena.

“The brighter side is, we have time to recover. We have a break somehow so by April 23, hopefully, Bianca and Beth have recovered,” said Reyes.