MANILA – University of Santo Tomas Golden Tigresses cruised to a 25-19, 25-21, 29-31, 33-31 beating of Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eagles in the UAAP Season 84 women’s volleyball on Thursday night at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
Ejiya Laure tallied career-high 31 points to go along with 14 excellent receptions as the Golden Tigresses ended the first round of eliminations with 5-2 win-loss slate.
Imee Hernandez put in half of her 14 points in the fourth set, Kecelyn Galdones had 12 points, including three blocks, while Ypril Tapia also added 11 points in the win.
After failing to finish off the Blue Eagles in the third set, the Golden Tigresses engaged in a tight battle with Ateneo in the fourth frame with the latter clinging to a 31-30 lead.
UST managed three straight hits off an Ateneo service error. Galdones followed it up with a kill block while Laure finished things off with an off-the-block kill for UST.
“Dadalhin namin itong panalo na ito towards the second round. Nakachamba lang ulit kami. Nachambahan ulit ni Eya, kahit papaano nakabalik,” said Golden Tigresses head coach Emilio Reyes.
Faith Nisperos finished with 22 points while Vanessa Gandler chalked up 18 points, all from spikes, as the Blue Eagles slumped to 3-4 win-loss slate.
De La Salle University Lady Spikers, meanwhile, ended the first round in third place after clipping Far Eastern University Lady Tamaraws, 25-7, 25-12, 22-25, 25-11.
Alleiah Malaluan top-scored with 16 points on 15 attacks while Thea Gagate chimed in with 14 points as the Lady Spikers tied the Golden Tigresses with 5-2 slate.
Mereophe Sharma also flexed her scoring might for the Lady Spikers with 13 points, while Bacolodnon rookie Marite Espina had seven points in limited minutes./PN
