Alessandrini giving UST’s flickering Final Four bid a jolt

University of Santo Tomas is slowly changing its narrative in the UAAP Season 80 women’s volleyball tournament after suffering an unprecedented five straight losses across the first and second rounds.

The Golden Tigresses have now won two consecutive games for a 4-7 record after dismantling National University in four sets, 22-25, 25-23, 25-21, 25-9, Sunday at Smart Araneta Coliseum.

UST’s season, however, is still hanging in a balance as one slip could ultimately see the Golden Tigresses, who are a game behind fifth seed Adamson, crash out of the Final Four race.

But rookie Milena Alessandrini has faith in her team.

“I believe we can still make the Final Four,” said Alessandrini after their victory against the Lady Bulldogs. “There are still three games more and I don’t know what will happen next, you never know.”

Alessandrini, who missed  four games in the middle of the season due to an injured right shoulder, has been a saving grace for the Golden Tigresses since her return last March 7 where they went 2-2.

UST captain Cherry Rondina said she’s thankful that Alessandrini is back in the lineup since the Golden Tigresses can rely on her in terms of scoring and blocking.

“She’s a really a big help for us because of her height alone,” said the 5-foot-7 Rondina of the 6-foot-1 Alessandrini. “We aren’t the best blocking team because we aren’t that tall.”

“Also Milena listens and she will follow orders. All of us are willing to fight in battle, but it really helps if you have someone who can help you out in a big way,” added Rondina who had 25 points against the Lady Bulldogs.

Alessandrini, for her part, scored 19 points against NU coming off 11 spikes, five blocks, and three service aces.

And in the past two games, Alessandri has averaged 19.5 points for UST while Rondina normed 25.

“There’s more work to be done and I will work harder and play better,” said Alessandrini.