Caballejo helps UST score crucial win over NU

MANLA, Philippines – University of Santo Tomas picked up a crucial win over National University, 25-21, 25-21, 23-25, 25-17, Saturday to move into solo fourth place in the UAAP Season 75 women’s volleyball tournament at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.

Judy Caballejo and Maika Ortiz combined for 29 points to lead the Golden Tigresses, who also got 35 points off of the Lady Bulldogs’ errors.

“Bumawi si Judy at si Jessey, last three games sub-par performance nila,” said UST head coachh Ogie Mamon, who added that the Tigresses’ final two games are a must-win.

Jessey de Leon had seven points, including two straight conversions that gave UST an 18-15 lead in the fourth set.

Two straight miscues by NU with Dindin Santiago mistiming her attempt before Cai Nepomuceno’s spike was short put UST at match point, 24-17.

Carmela Tunay, the sophomore spiker who has been a revelation for UST, added 12 markers with teammate Maru Banaticla still groping for form.

UST improved to 7-5 just half a game ahead Far Eastern U while NU slid to sixth at 6-6.

The Tigresses will wind up their elimination round campaign against Ateneo and FEU.

Four touches called on NU in the third set saw UST just three points away, 22-19, from taking the game but with Santiago back in the front line, the Lady Bulldogs roared back to extend the match.

Santiago, the former UST spiker, tallied a game-high 21 points.