MANILA – University of Santo Tomas Golden Tigresses boosted its Final Four hopes with a 25-21, 25-12, 26-24 pounding of University of the Philippines Lady Maroons in the UAAP Season 81 women’s volleyball at the San Juan Arena.
Cherry Rondina led the way with 20 points, on 17 attacks, one block and two service aces on Wednesday.
With the win, the Golden Tigresses moved up to a share of third place with 8-4 win-loss slate.
Ejiya Laure added 11 markers while Mary Dominique Pacres contributed nine markers for the Golden Tigresses, which drew 19 excellent sets from Alina Bicar and 15 excellent digs from Rica Rivera.
The Lady Maroons were ahead for most part of first set until the Golden Tigresses took a 17-16 edge. It was UST since then with Rondina and Laure anchoring the offense for a 1-0 set edge.
The Golden Tigresses continued its run in the second frame with an 11-4 start on attacks from Rondina and Pacres. The lead grew further to 20-8 on service aces by Kecelyn Galdonez.
The Lady Maroons tried to stay alive in the third canto after reaching the set point at 24-22. Three straights errors from UP gave the Golden Tigresses a 25-24 edge before Laure ended the match with a block.
Maria Alina Buitre finished with 16 points, while Diana Carlos added 10 markers for the Lady Maroons, which is now on the brink of elimination with its 6-6 win-loss slate./PN
