Tigresses battle Lady Blazers, shoot for outright semis slot

Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

University of Santo Tomas shoots for a fifth straight win and outright entry to the semifinals when it faces St. Benilde Saturday in the Premier Volleyball League Collegiate Conference at Filoil Flying V Centre.

On top of the heap with a 4-0 record, the Tigresses are already creating a major championship buzz the way they have not in the past seasons.

UST last tasted a championship in 2010, when Aiza Maizo led the Tigresses to a three-conference romp, capped by the 2010 Shakey’s V-League first conference crown.

Leading UST are youngsters Eya Laure, Tin Francisco, Kecelyn Galdones, Carla Sandoval, Alina Bicar and Milena Alessandrini, who have had breakout performances thus far.

But UST assistant coach Ian Fernandez—filling in for Kungfu Reyes, who is with the national team—refused to get carried away, saying they’re up against tough teams.

The Tigresses will be tested by the deceptive Lady Blazers, middle-of-the-road campaigners who are within striking distance of the top four.

St. Benilde bucked a 0-2 start to beat San Beda last week, 21-25, 26-24, 25-8, 25-23.