MANILA – University of Santo Tomas Golden Tigresses kicked off its title-retention bid in the UAAP Season 82 Women’s Beach Volleyball with a 21-11, 21-6 sweep over the University of the Philippines Lady Maroons at Sands SM By The Bay in Pasay City.
Led by Babylove Barbon and Gen Eslapor, the Golden Tigresses made a quick work of Lady Maroons’ Roselyn Rosier and Euricka Eslapor as the UST aims to extend their reign even in the post-Cherry Rondina.
“Kung ano ang experience na nakuha namin sa mga off-season leagues, ‘yun ang ina-apply namin,” said Barbon, who along with Gen represented the Philippines in the FIVB Beach Volleyball World Tour 1-Star in Boracay last May.
Also winning in opening day are the De La Salle Lady Spikers’ pair of Tin Tiamzon and rookie Justine Jazareno, who overpowered National University Lady Bulldogs’ Andrea Abian and Chlea dela Fuente, 21-11, 21-4.
Far Eastern University Lady Tamaraws’ Sheila Mae Kiseo bucked cramps late in the third set, helping Sheena Gallentes to a 22-20, 17-21, 15-12 conquest of Ateneo Lady Eagles’ Ponggay Gaston and Ilongga rookie Roma Mae Doromal.
Adamson University Lady Falcons’ Kring Uy and Chen Ave rallied from a set down to beat University of the East Lady Warriors’ Lyen Ritual and returning Juliet Catindig, 13-21, 21-13, 15-7, in the last match.
Unlike in the previous years where a team that completes a 7-0 sweep in the elimination round will gain an outright championship, the undefeated team will now go through the Final Four.
The unbeaten team, though, will still have the twice-to-beat advantage in the semis by finishing No. 1 in the eliminations. The championship round is a best-of-three series./PN
