Tigresses subdue Lady Agilas in Shakey’s V-League

MANILA, Philippines — University of Santo Tomas ended Davao’s run in the 11th Shakey’s V-League First Conference with a 23-25, 25-22, 25-19, 25-17 win Sunday at the Arena in San Juan.

The Tigresses leaned on their blocking in subduing the Lady Agilas, who impressed in the tournament with a three-game winning streak.

“Our defense didn’t click in the first and two sets, but at least our blocking worked,” said head coach Odjie Mamon. “We reached our quota today [on blocks].”

The quarterfinals-bound UST scored 13 off blocks, with Ria Meneses and Loren Lantin notching four each, while pouncing on 26 miscues from Davao.

But the Tigresses took a while to get going and engaged the Lady Agilas in the first two sets, especially late in the opener when the linesmen ruled Agton’s hit was first ruled outside but was overturned by the referee.

“In the first set, that was a crucial call. We could’ve gotten this game in three sets,” the lanky mentor offered.

UST, though, took control in the ensuing frames and led by as many as 20-11 in the fourth set on an error by Davao.

Mamon said they managed to scout the Lady Agilas, whose line-up is composed of the best players in Davao, for their strengths.

“Their setter [Reynelen Raterta] carries that team, while May Shiel Agton and Venus Flores get the job down the line,” Mamon said.

For their part, the Tigresses drew 20 points from Carmela Tunay and 19 points from Pamela Lastimosa, but both will be out from May 1 to 4, in time for the quarterfinals, due to a beach volleyball tilt.

At 3-1, UST joined Davao and National University in the playoffs.

Jocemer Tapic led the Lady Agilas with 17 markers, four off blocks and three off service winners, while Agton and Flores added 16 and 12.

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