MANILA – University of Santo Tomas Golden Tigresses averted a huge collapse to escape with a 25-21, 25-21, 24-26, 24-26, 15-6 win over Adamson University Lady Falcons in the UAAP Season 81 women’s volleyball on Sunday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
Ejiya Laure made an impressive collegiate debut with 17 points, on 13 attacks, three blocks and a service ace, for the Golden Tigresses, which tied University of the Philippines Lady Maroons and Far Eastern University Lady Tamaraws at 1-0.
The Golden Tigresses were on point in the first two sets on steady plays from Laure, Cherry Rondina, Milena Alessandrini and KC Galdones but the Lady Falcons leaned on Bernadeth Flora and Christine Joy Soyud in the third and fourth set to even things up.
The Golden Tigresses made sure they will take home the win after a 5-0 start in the fifth set. The Lady Falcons came with two straight points but Rondina, Alessandrini and Laure came up with string of points to clinch the win.
“The last three years lagi kaming talo sa first game namin and this is historic for us,” said Golden Tigresses head coach Emilio Reyes.
In men’s action, Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eagles leaned on the strong showing of returning Tony Koyfman to score a 25-23, 25-22, 25-15 sweep over De La Salle University Green Spikers.
Koyfman, who sat out Season 80 due to illness, top-scored with 15 points, while Ron Medalla flirted with triple-double with nine points, 10 digs and 10 excellent receptions for the Blue Eagles.
Meanwhile, Paolo Pablico scored 23 points as the Adamson University Falcons defeated University of Santo Tomas Tiger Spikers, 33-31, 23-25, 16-25, 25-15, 16-14./PN
