UST notches 2nd straight win, downs NU

UST Golden Tigresses. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines—University of Santo Tomas had its first taste of back-to-back victories after turning back National University in four sets, 26-24, 25-17, 23-25, 25-17, in the UAAP Sweason 81 women’s volleyball tournament Saturday at Filoil Flying V Centre in San Juan.

The Golden Tigresses, who swept De La Salle in their previous game, 25-20, 25-22, 25-17, now tied the Lady Spikers for the No. 2 spot with identical 4-2 records.

For what it’s worth, Eya Laure delivered somewhat of a redemption game after she avenged her previous championship losses against NU in several finals in the high school level.

Laure put up a game-high 20 points but it was role players Dimdim Pacres and Caitlyn Viray, who finished off the Lady Bulldogs.

Pacres twisted her attack to evade NU’s block to put UST in match point, 24-15, and although the Lady Bulldogs were able to score two more, Viray had enough and converted on a crosscourt kill to end the affair.

UST head coach Kung Fu Reyes said his team’s two straight wins were a big morale booster for them after they lost Season 80 Rookie of the Year Milena Alessandrini to injury four games into the season.

“This is huge for the players’ morale and it’s a good thing we’re now able to recover,” said Reyes in Filipino. “The back-to-back wins are big because we’re doing this for Milena.”

Cherry Rondina supported Laure’s offensive exploits with 16 points while Pacres had 12.

Princess Robles and Ivy Lacsina had 14 points for the Lady Bulldogs, who dropped their third straight game for a 1-5 record.