UNIVERSITY of Santo Tomas (UST) rallied from a two-set deficit to beat Adamson University, 24-26, 20-25, 25-21, 25-23, 15-12, in the second round of the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 84 women’s volleyball tournament on Thursday at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
Eya Laure, the league’s leading scorer after the first round, scored 21 big points with 13 excellent receptions to help the Golden Tigresses clinch their third consecutive win and keep their hold of the second spot with a 6-3 win-loss record.
“The players got tired, but the bottom line is a win regardless of how many sets,” UST head coach Kungfu Reyes said.
“It’s a lesson on not letting the win slip away,” Reyes said. “But I raise my hands to Adamson, they’re a difficult team to beat.”
Trailing 11-12 in the final set, Kecelyn Galdones blocked Lorene Toring’s quick attempt to forge a 12-all score. Kate Santiago then failed to get the ball over as Laure and Galdones went for the jugular with a block on May Ann Nuique and an ace, respectively.
UST’s supporting cast showed up to support Laure with Camille Victoria pouring 16 points off 13 attacks and three blocks. Ysa Jimenez also finished in double figures with 13 points while Ypril Tapia and Kecelyn Galdones added seven points each.
Janel Delerio manned the floor for the Golden Tigresses with 11 excellent digs and 11 excellent receptions while Bernadette Pepito got 12 excellent digs.
UST also came out on top in a hard-fought 12-25, 25-19, 25-22, 18-25, 15-9 win in their first-round match last May 17.
The Lady Falcons went on a 9-1 run to erase a six-point deficit and take the opening set.
Adamson University took the second set with ease before the Golden Tigresses snagged the next two to send the game to a decided.
Trisha Genesis delivered 23 points on 18 attacks, four aces and an ace while Santiago and Nuique added 18 and 16 points, respectively, for the Lady Falcons dropped to a 4-4 record.
Lucille Almonte played libero for the first time this season and tallied 14 excellent receptions also for Adamson University.
Five players finished in double digits for the Lady Falcons with Rizza Cruz and Toring finishing with 14 and 12 points, respectively.