By Ardyn Gonzales
The University of Sto. Tomas Lady Tigresses avenged their first round loss against the erstwhile undefeated De La Salle University Lady Spikers, 25-19, 14-25, 25-18, 25-12, in the UAAP Season 85 women’s volleyball tournament, Sunday, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The upset victory by UST means that there will be a traditional Final Four in the semi-finals, compared to the stepladder format last season when NU swept the elimination rounds.
After pocketing the first set, the Lady Tigresses saw themselves dismantled in the second frame as La Salle was off to a hot start, 12-5. UST lost that set but they quickly recovered in the succeeding sets behind the performance of Eya Laure and Milena Alessandrini.
In the third set, both teams were tied at 14-all halfway through the frame, but a well-placed down the line hit from Alessandrini sparked a 5-0 run to pull away from the Lady Spikers.
The trio of Laure, Alessandrini, and Regina Jurado then did all the wonders for UST as they won the third set through their heavy serves and strong attacks.
It was all UST in the fourth frame, doubling up on the Lady Spikers in the second technical timeout, 18-6, which ballooned to a 13-point advantage in the set.
Laure unleashes 29 points all on attacks, while Alessandrini had a breakout performance with 20 points and nine excellent receptions.
Angel Canino was the only player in double-digits for La Salle as she was held down by UST to just 13 markers.
La Salle remains atop the standings with a 9-1 record, while UST keeps hold of the third spot.
Featured image courtesy of UAAP
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